You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. John 5:39 NKJV
I write a weekly blog which almost no one reads. You may wonder why I do it. I sometimes wonder myself.
At first, I started because God asked me to. I continued because I felt like God was building perseverance and faithfulness into my character. Week after week, month in and month out, I have persisted for 7 years. Finally, I have realized that my writing draws me into His presence. Without a pressing need to hear from Him about what to write, I spend very little time in listening prayer.
Oh, I am in the Word and prayer every day. But how often do I just sit quietly and wait for Him?
These thoughts were foremost in my mind, one day, when God highlighted John 5:39 above. In this passage, Jesus answered those who accused Him of blasphemy by describing His relationship to the Father. God had sent them many witnesses, and John the Baptist borne witness to the truth. Yet Jesus’ works alone were a great witness than John. The Father Himself testified of Jesus. Finally, the Scriptures testify of Jesus.
“You search the Scriptures for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they that testify of Me.”
I asked God why He highlighted this verse to me. He said, “Believe not in the words on the page, but in the God who animates the words.”
Like those Jews in Jesus’ day, I study the scriptures daily looking for commandments to obey, examples to follow, and promises to claim. While there is nothing wrong with that, am I missing the most important thing?
Every word testifies of Him. Even if I have read the Bible 20 times and memorized dozens of verses, that is not the end goal. The whole point is to encounter the God who animates the Word. Having to “produce” a devotion every week, presses me into His presence. I cannot write anything of value without God. I am forced to wait on Him. This, friends, is the real reason I write a blog that few read. It disciplines me to wait for a fresh word when I am tempted to rush to the next thing.
Then I asked God if He was also speaking about the words that I write. He said, “Yes! Trust that I will use the words you have written.”
Maybe, like me, you are wondering about the impact of your writing. If so, I bless you with this prophetic word: God will animate the words that you write.
Father, I confess that sometimes I am focused too much on the words on the page. Open my eyes to see You in every word on every page. Show me Your glory! Reveal Your character. Bless me with Your manifest presence. Amen.