Volume 1 · Week 2 — The Presence of God
Day 11 — God Present in His Word
Main verse
“[…] Did not our heart burn within us, […] while he opened to us the scriptures?”
— Luke 24:32 (excerpt) (KJV)
Meditation
On the road to Emmaus, two disciples walked with Jesus without recognizing Him. Their hope seemed dead. They told their disappointment to the very One whose disappearance they were mourning.
Jesus listened to them, then opened the meaning of the Scriptures to them. Little by little, their perspective changed. Their outward situation had not yet been transformed, but a new light was beginning to illuminate their story.
We can read the Bible without immediately perceiving God’s presence. Some passages seem familiar; others remain difficult. Sometimes weariness also prevents us from receiving what we read. Yet God continues to meet us through a word, an image, or a promise that suddenly takes on new depth.
The Bible is not merely a book that informs us about God. It becomes a place where God lights our own path. There we discover that our questions, our wrongdoing, our hopes, and our pain can belong within a larger story.
Before opening the Scriptures, we can simply ask: ‘Lord, walk with me through this reading.’ We may not understand everything, but a word received attentively can accompany an entire day.
Psalm
Psalm 19:7–11 (KJV)
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Further Bible reading
Luke 24:13–35; 2 Timothy 3:14–17
Suggested hymn
The Church Hymnal (1941), no. 27 — “Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word”
Prayer
Lord, open my understanding and my heart as I read Your Word. Keep me from reading distractedly or merely out of habit. Meet me in my questions and shed light on what I am going through. Give me a word today to receive, keep, and put into practice. Amen.
A thought to keep
When I open the Scriptures, God can open a path before me.
Personal Notes
What would you like to remember, pray about, or put into practice today?