Public Reading of Scripture

Today’s Encouragement is, “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.” 1 Timothy 4:13 ESV

Public Reading of Scripture –

Ever notice this?  Whenever the Bible is read, usually in a church service… We glaze over.  We think, “When will he finish?” “I can read this myself anytime I want to.” “Come on, get to the sermon.”  – We are such impatient creatures! 

When Paul advised Timothy to read Scripture publicly… the only scripture available was the Old Testament! Few copies of scripture were available. People went to the synagogue to hear scripture read and taught because they didn’t have their own copy of the Bible, as we do today! So, when God’s Word was read aloud, it was treasured, listened to intently by the hearers!

The Bible isn’t just information! It is God’s Truth, eternal, perfect, and life-giving!

From Psalms 19:7-11 (NLT)

His word is:

Perfect, reviving the soul

Trustworthy, giving wisdom

Right, bringing joy

Clear, giving insight

True and fair

More desirable than gold,

Sweeter than honey,

A warning and a great reward!

My friend, no other source offers us what God’s Word provides. 

And Hearing it read, reading it, speaking it to ourselves and to others … gives Life! (John 6:63)

Father, help us, impatient and imperfect creatures, to listen intently to Your Word, to hear Your message of Life, hope, wisdom, sweeter than honey.  Thank You for the immeasurable gift of Your Word.

Breathing Room

Kim Walker-Smith