Bible Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-18
We’re in the middle of a series talking about using our hand as a Bible study tool. Yesterday, we said that the first finger on our hand represented hearing the word of God.
Today we will talk about the second finger. The second finger represents reading the word of God.
When we read the word of God, we see what the word says. Research has shown that we remember 20% of what we hear. That includes listening when the Bible is taught or preached. However, if we hear God’s word taught and read it for ourselves, we will remember 30% of what we learn.
Nehemiah 8:8 says, “They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.” Nehemiah and the spiritual leaders of the Israelites understood that reading God’s word was important.
In Matthew 12:3 & 5 Jesus said, “Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?...Or haven't you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent?” Jesus expected that the people he was speaking to had read God’s word for themselves.
Reading God’s word was important during Old Testament days. It was important during the years that Jesus walked the earth. Reading God’s word remains an important way for Christians to grow in their faith and in their understanding of God, His plan, and His way of living.
Are you reading God’s word every day? I hope so.
“Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Revelation 1:3
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be faithful in reading Your word every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.