Meet God in the Word
In the Bible we have not just the words of God himself, but the means for a dynamic relationship where the Lord is able to engage with us. The more we listen to him and speak to him, the deeper the relationship goes.
What does the Bible say about meeting God in the Bible -
- A delight - Jeremiah 15:16
- Living Word - John 1:1-5
- Accept Word - Psalm 119:57-64
- Meditate on Word - Isaiah 50:4-5
A delight
Jeremiah 15:16
When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What motivates Jeremiah to devour God’s word, the Bible?
- What does it mean to bear God’s name? How does that impact Jeremiah?
Thoughts to consider
Those who are passionate about something, a sports team, an environmental issue, … spend time studying about it. They learn about the key players, they can quote key leaders. In the same way we demonstrate a passion for God by devouring his word and learning passages from it.
Living Word
John 1:1-5
In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
John 1:14
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What is the relationship between God, Jesus and the Word in these passages?
- What implications are there for you in how you see the word of God, the Bible?
Thoughts to consider
Jesus is the living truth. There are huge implications to this. Some of these are, Jesus is truth. Truth is a living person. The Word is living, it injects life into us as we take it into our lives and live by it.
Accept Word
Psalms 119:57-64
LORD, you are mine! I promise to obey your words! With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised. I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands. Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions. I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations. I am a friend to anyone who fears you— anyone who obeys your commandments. O LORD, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- How does the writer express their heart for God?
- How does that heart for God carry over to their heart for God’s word?
Thoughts to consider
God’s word is an expression of himself. If I am caught up with God, then the best way of reinforcing that and developing it is to spend time in God’s word, the Bible.
Meditate on Word
Isaiah 50:4-5
The Sovereign LORD has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will. The Sovereign LORD has spoken to me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- How does the Lord work with someone who is willing to grow in understanding him?
- How does God value those who are willing to listen to him without turning away?
Thoughts to consider
When I take on board what God has shown me about my own life, then he develops it in me so that I can use those same lessons for others whom I encounter. The Lord delights to share deeper insights with those who are going to pass them on.
Overview question for reflection or discussion
- What has been your experience of meeting with God in the Bible?
- How could you develop in meeting God?
Thoughts to consider
The more openly I engage with God and follow his way, the more intimate the relationship becomes. The more he trusts me with what is hidden in his heart.
