Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
    it gives understanding to the simple.

Both the NIV and the ESV use “unfolding” here, but the Japanese says, “when the door to your Word opens.” Both of those translations have things to be said for them. “Unfolding” applies because, as many times as we might have read a passage, there are always more layers of meaning to bless us. That said, the image of a door opening is very easy to understand. Back when most documents were written on scrolls, that might not have “clicked,” but with bound books, it’s the most natural simile ever. (How will that change with the proliferation of electronic Bibles?) In any case, we have to “enter into” the Bible for it to have its full impact on our lives. Recently “meditation” has become a popular method of emotional control, but I’d be willing to bet that very few of those “meditating” are doing so on the Word of God! Jesus used the terminology of “abiding,” when He was teaching his disciples in the Upper Room just before His arrest and crucifixion. (John 15:1-8) We can’t just flip the Bible open for our morning devotions and forget what we’ve just read as soon as we close it. As James said very clearly, that’s just deceiving ourselves. (James 1:22) If we want the wisdom promised in this verse, we’ve got to take the Word in, mull it over, and then put it into practice. If we will do that, then we will surprise ourselves, not to mention the people around us, with God’s wisdom that manifests through us.

I certainly know this from experience! God gave me a high IQ, but that does NOT equal wisdom. Very early in my life I absorbed a lot of knowledge about the Bible, but didn’t let it work its way into my heart. I was the perfect example of a sophomore, a “wise fool,” as that word actually means. Now, I seek to lead and encourage others to take God’s word in, in truth and not just as a “religious exercise.” I rejoice to share God’s truth from the pulpit, but I don’t want anyone to think or feel that’s the only way they can receive it. I want a church that is so centered on Christ and filled with His Spirit that they would hardly notice if I disappeared!

Father, thank You for this past weekend when Cathy and I were out of town, and for how smoothly things went. That’s very encouraging! Help me continue to mentor the believers so that they may mentor each other, and all of them learn that You will talk to them every time they open their Bibles, and so press in enthusiastically to be the disciples You desire, building up Your Church for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!