“At different times,” Stan commented one morning, “we’ve talked about the importance of spending time reading and studying the Bible.”
“We have,” I replied. “But I have to admit that sometimes I find that hard to do. I get distracted with other things and just don’t spend much time in God’s Word.”
“I’ve been there,” Stan said. “For way too long and way too often, I simply didn’t spend much time in the Bible. But I do now, and earlier this morning, in Luke’s gospel, I saw something that Jesus said that seems like a very good reason for studying the Bible.”
“Jesus talked about studying the Bible?” I asked.
“I think He did,”Stan replied. “And in one short sentence, Luke records that Jesus gave the reason for studying God’s Word.”
“What did He say?”
“Remember Lot’s wife,” Stan said.
“Remember Lot’s wife,” I repeated. “What’s that mean?”
“You remember the story of Lot and his wife?” Stan asked.
“A little,” I replied. “Didn’t that have something to do with God’s destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah?”
“The whole subject of that destruction is another story for another day,” Stan said, “but in a nutshell, Lot and his wife headed out of town before God’s destruction took place. However, Lot’s wife looked back, apparently with longing over what she was leaving, and she became a pillar of salt.”
“Don’t look back with longing over what God has for you to leave,” I replied. “Is that the point?”
“That’s it,” Stan replied, “and unless I know the story of Lot and his wife by reading and studying the Bible, I wouldn’t have a clue as to what Jesus meant when He said to remember Lot’s wife.”
“You can’t remember what you don’t know,” I commented.
“You’re right,” Stan replied, “and I believe that God has a whole lot of things He wants me to know about Him and His word, things I won’t know and won’t be able to remember, unless I spend time with Him and in His word!”
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Bible verses to consider:
Remember Lot’s wife. Luke 17:32.
But his wife, from behind him, looked back; and she became a pillar of salt. Genesis 19:26.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the availability of the Bible so I can read and study your word. Thank you for the voice of the Holy Spirit who opens me to know, understand, and remember your word. I confess that too often I do not spend time with you in your word listening to your voice. The result is that I do not know and I cannot remember what you have for me. Please forgive that foolishness. And please help me in following every step of your lead so I know and remember all you have for me in your Word and from your voice. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: God gave us His Word so we will know Him and what He has for us. Do you agree with that? Why or why not? In order to remember what God has for us, it’s necessary to spend time with Him and His Word so we will know what we are to remember. How are you doing with that? If you sense you are being led into a deeper knowledge of what God has for you in His Word and from His voice, how is that going to happen?
Waiting for the Train 