Meditation

Meditation

MY QUESTION for GOD

Why is it important for pastors to spend time studying and meditating on God’s Word?

A MOMENT with GOD

On October 8 Ezra the priest brought the Book of the Law before the assembly, which included the men and women and all the children old enough to understand. He faced the square just inside the Water Gate from early morning until noon and read aloud to everyone who could understand. All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law. Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform that had been made for the occasion . . . then instructed the people in the Law while everyone remained in their places . . . and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.

Nehemiah 8:2-4, 7-8

With the wall of Jerusalem finished, the people wanted to continue to enjoy God’s blessing and not fall into sin again. So they assembled, hungry to hear God’s Word. Whom did they ask to read the Word? Ezra, who was a scribe—someone who had devoted his life to studying the Scriptures. The people could count on Ezra to explain God’s Word clearly and accurately. The Bible is still the authoritative guide for how to know God and live God’s way. Like the Israelites, we need individuals who are experts in the Bible and can share their knowledge with us. Sometimes church members complain about how much time pastors spend studying. However, many churches should give their pastors even more time to increase their knowledge of the Bible. If pastors are going to feed their flocks, they must have time to feed themselves. For biblical knowledge and spiritual insights to come out of a pastor’s mouth, they must first be in his mind and heart. We must make sure our spiritual leaders have more than budgets and administrative tasks on their minds. They need the very wisdom of God, and that comes from Bible study and meditation on the very words of God.

DIVINE PROMISE

YOU HAVE BEEN TAUGHT THE HOLY SCRIPTURES FROM CHILDHOOD, AND THEY HAVE GIVEN YOU THE WISDOM TO RECEIVE THE SALVATION THAT COMES BY TRUSTING IN CHRIST JESUS. ALL SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED BY GOD AND IS USEFUL TO TEACH US WHAT IS TRUE AND TO MAKE US REALIZE WHAT IS WRONG IN OUR LIVES. IT CORRECTS US WHEN WE ARE WRONG AND TEACHES US TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT. GOD USES IT TO PREPARE AND EQUIP HIS PEOPLE TO DO EVERY GOOD WORK.   2 Timothy 3:15-17