“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”
Colossians 3:16
At a dress rehearsal of Bach’s St. Matthew’s Passion, the choir director said, “I guess you know the notes well enough. But the spirit is lacking. I want each of you to sit down tonight with your Bible and read St. Matthew’s account of the life of Christ. Try to grasp it all. Who knows—perhaps that message is just what our listeners need in a time of doubt and despair.
Then let’s come back to our performance and convey to our audience the meaning and inspiration of these sacred words.” They did as they were told. At the performance the next night, they sang their hearts out!
The Word awakens and enlivens our spirit. Paul tells us to let it dwell in us richly. I’ve known people with traumatic brain injuries or progressing dementia; I’ve known others lying barely conscious on their death beds. Yet they respond to the reading of Scripture, perhaps in a contented sigh, a smile, an opening of the eyes, or sometimes even reciting the words.
Is this the moment for you to renew your commitment and give the Word a dwelling place in your heart?
Then let’s come back to our performance and convey to our audience the meaning and inspiration of these sacred words.” They did as they were told. At the performance the next night, they sang their hearts out!
The Word awakens and enlivens our spirit. Paul tells us to let it dwell in us richly. I’ve known people with traumatic brain injuries or progressing dementia; I’ve known others lying barely conscious on their death beds. Yet they respond to the reading of Scripture, perhaps in a contented sigh, a smile, an opening of the eyes, or sometimes even reciting the words.
Is this the moment for you to renew your commitment and give the Word a dwelling place in your heart?
Scripture Focus
Colossians 3:12-17
Insight
The only way to keep a broken vessel full is by keeping the faucet on. Make sure the Spirit pours the Word into you daily.
Bible In A Year
- Job 31-32
- Psalm 57
- Luke 20
