(This is a bit late today because my schedule was all goobered up and I am recovering from one of the worst sinus infections I have ever had – and that is saying something.)
I work through an old copy of the Book of Common Prayer during my quiet times. I am not Episcopal, nor do I have Episcopal leanings – not sure what those would be. An Episcopal priest gave it to me at a wedding I was in back in the 70’s. I work through the morning and not very often the evening readings on a fairly regular basis. I find the connections between the passages that were assembled in 1549 interesting. Sometimes I see the thread they were following. Often the passages chosen 463 years ago speak exactly to the issues I am facing. I find that connection to those who have plowed the same ground in this journey not only encouraging but also humbling at a deeply significant level. But that is not what I was going to write about…
Today took me to Ezekiel 2:1 – 3:3 (I added the last three verses – have always been a bit of a rebel.) I was overwhelmed by the passage and thrown into about three others as I was working my way through the passage, namely Jeremiah 15:16; Ezra 7:10; and Job 23:12 (the notes from my journal are in the picture).
The attitude of these men toward God’s Word is an ever deepening challenge. The imagery of Ezekiel 3:3 and Jeremiah 15:16 are nearly identical, and they are a close approximation of the sequence in which Ezra followed in 7:10. What you eat becomes that of which your body consists. That is a strong image of Ezra’s “practice.” That brings us to Job…
Most of us reading Job 23:12, at least me, react with cynical incredulity. Right, the Bible is more important than eating. Not just snacks. The food I need to survive, the necessary stuff. It is like offering a malnourished man about to die 2 Timothy – and his response is deep, joyful, sincere gratitude.
I thought I loved the Word.
I work through an old copy of the Book of Common Prayer during my quiet times. I am not Episcopal, nor do I have Episcopal leanings – not sure what those would be. An Episcopal priest gave it to me at a wedding I was in back in the 70’s. I work through the morning and not very often the evening readings on a fairly regular basis. I find the connections between the passages that were assembled in 1549 interesting. Sometimes I see the thread they were following. Often the passages chosen 463 years ago speak exactly to the issues I am facing. I find that connection to those who have plowed the same ground in this journey not only encouraging but also humbling at a deeply significant level. But that is not what I was going to write about…
The attitude of these men toward God’s Word is an ever deepening challenge. The imagery of Ezekiel 3:3 and Jeremiah 15:16 are nearly identical, and they are a close approximation of the sequence in which Ezra followed in 7:10. What you eat becomes that of which your body consists. That is a strong image of Ezra’s “practice.” That brings us to Job…
Most of us reading Job 23:12, at least me, react with cynical incredulity. Right, the Bible is more important than eating. Not just snacks. The food I need to survive, the necessary stuff. It is like offering a malnourished man about to die 2 Timothy – and his response is deep, joyful, sincere gratitude.
I thought I loved the Word.
Mike - great post. We just finished a 6-week bible study class at church about studying the bible (titled appropriately enough Eat The Word).
ReplyDeleteOne of the nuances here is learning to really be nourished by it - chew on it, digest it.
By the way - bought your book.
Greg - Thanks for the encouragement. Hope you enjoy the book. Let me know.
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