HIS WORD IS A HIDDEN TREASURE - BUT YOU MUST DIG FOR IT

"HOW BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE WAY IS BLAMELESS, WHO WALK IN THE LAW OF THE LORD.  HOW BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO OBSERVE HIS TESTIMONIES, WHO SEEK HIM WITH ALL THEIR HEART." PSALM 119:1-2

In the beginning, God spoke and the world was formed. In Genesis 1 the phrase, "Then God said" is used nine times in the creation story.  Just think: He spoke us into existence!  HE IS THE SPOKEN WORD.

Then, thousands of years later, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14).  Jesus, the Son of God, came in bodily form, speaking truth and love and proclaiming the good news of salvation.  HE IS THE LIVING WORD.

Now, two thousand years later, we are waiting for Christ's return.  In Revelation 19 some of the names of Christ listed at His second coming are "Faithful" and "True" and "King of Kings" and "Lord of Lords", but it also says, "His name is called the Word of God." (Revelation 19:1).  HE IS THE REIGNING AND FINAL WORD.

In between, the prophets of old and the apostles of new recorded what they had seen and heard. It says in Hebrews 12: "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  HE IS THE WRITTEN WORD.

So, do we allow Him to pierce our heart with His Word daily?  Statistics say no.  Even though 90% of households in the United States own a Bible, only one in three of these households have opened and read this unique Book at least once in the last week.  We have settled for passiveness in the pews once a week instead.

The answer to this dilemma is found in the very heart and center of the Bible--well, almost. Here is a little Bible trivia for you to ponder:

Question:  What is the shortest chapter of the Bible?  Answer:  Psalm 117
Question:  What is the middle chapter of the Bible ?  Answer:  Psalm 118
Question:  What is the longest chapter of the Bible?  Answer:  Psalm 119
Question:  What is the theme of the longest chapter of the Bible? 
Answer:     Studying the Word of God.

One hundred and seventy six verses are devoted to being actively engaged with God's Word in Psalm 119:  His precepts, His laws, His testimonies, His commandments. It is filled to the brim with verbs--a call to action--to open up the Bible's pages and engage with the God of the Universe.  Here are a few examples:

• "How blessed are those who observe (a verb: to see, notice, behold, dig, discern, discover) His testimonies, who seek (a verb: to chase, delve, explore, inquire, investigate) Him with all their heart."(Psalm 119:2)
• "Make me understand the way of Your precepts, so I will meditate (a verb: to contemplate, consider, deliberate, study, think) on Your wonders." (Psalm 119:27)
• "I shall give thanks (a verb: to express gratitude, be grateful, show appreciation) to You with uprightness of heart, when I learn (a verb: to acquire information, be taught, be trained, burn the midnight oil, master, memorize) Your righteous judgements."  (Psalm 119:7)

This is only to name a few!  Other verbs which call us to action are to walk in liberty, take delight, diligently keep, be taught, tell others, run the way of His commandments, speak and not be ashamed, lift up your hands, be a companion to others who keep His precepts, restrain and/or turn our feet from evil, take comfort in times of affliction, not forget and rejoice (a verb: to express great joy, celebrate, delight, glory, triumph).

How about you?  Where are you in the journey of opening up God's Word? If you have never done this before, consider taking this 14-day challenge.  Open up to a book in the Bible in the New Testament.  Pray before reading that the Holy Spirit will give you understanding.  Then read a passage--a chapter or two each day--until God prompts your heart.  Sometimes it feels like a verse is jumping off the page at you.  As God speaks to you through His Word, respond by talking with Him through prayer.  Next, take a notebook out, write down the date, the verse, and what it said to you.  If nothing occurs, then write down the verses you read and leave that portion blank.  Repeat the next day by starting where you left off.  If you miss a day, start over: Day 1, Day 2, etc.  See what happens and then tell someone about your journey. 

Then, a corporate way in which you can enjoy fellowship and teaching is to join a bible study during the week.  Delve into His Word with others and explore scripture together. Dig deep; there is buried treasure there to discover together.

What if you are already well on your way to studying God's Word, both privately and corporately?  I have a challenge for you also.  Prayerfully consider reading through the Bible in one year (or two!). Log onto www.oneyearbibleonline.com to sign up for a daily e-mail and begin the Journey with Jesus.  You will not regret it!  "Those who love your Law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble." (Psalm 119:165)