but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15
I pulled this verse in response not to a Biblical passage but a quote from a book I read this week. The quote was targeting Pastors, but I think it applies to all Christians who hope to be able to “make a defense” or to represent Christ in their daily lives. The quote is from a man named David Larson and it says, “We cannot represent God if we have not stood before God.” He is saying that we cannot make a defense, or live in a way that represents God, if we don’t know who God is and what He thinks. And the only place He has revealed that to us is in His Holy Word.
His Word is where we learn who God is. His Word is where we learn what His will is. We cannot live in His will, we cannot make a defense for our hope, unless we go to where He has revealed Himself.
But this is not a burden, it is a privilege, an honor! Have you ever received a letter from a loved one that you read over and over again? Is there a favorite book or movie you read/watch over and over again? I know I have read The Lord of the Rings series at least 3 times. But, I am very glad that I can say I have read through the Bible many more times.
Why would we not read the greatest love letter we have ever received over and over again? Why not read the “greatest story ever told” over and over again? Why would we not want to hear from the love of our lives, God, each and every day.
It is right there, on your shelf. Maybe dusty, maybe not. It is in the Portals of Prayer. It is in the Treasury of Daily Prayer. It is in innumerable devotional materials. And it is at Church every Sunday where Pastor, the Elders, and I will read it to you. Pick it up! Go to Church longing to hear it! God has a Word for you! God wants to speak to you! Jesus is speaking, preaching, praying, teaching!!!!! He who has ears, let Him hear! He who has eyes, let him see!
Dearest Lord, bless us through Your grace with a longing, a yearning, to hear and read Your Word. For You are in Your Word. Train us through Your Word to represent You in all we do and in who we are. In Your Holy Name we pray. - Amen
Pastor David