Meditating the Word

God's Word is unique. The scriptures are inspired by an Infinite God and given to us, a finite person. They are a glimpse of His Mind that can only be understood by His grace and through the person of the Holy Spirit. And because His Word is given, I believe we are capable of receiving it in greater depth. His Word draws us to Himself. It demands action. It calls us to a higher purpose, something beyond ourselves. Isaiah asked the question, "Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?" I answer, "Lord, I believe, reveal to me your Word in power."

Christian meditation is setting aside a time of quiet reflection on God's Word. It is conversing in prayer with the One by whom we were created. Abiding in God's presence, it is worship. If you will let the Spirit of God illumine His Word, you will be meditating on the scriptures. Meditation is the turning of the Word over and over in your mind. Like a stone that is polished by the motion of the waves, the Word of God wears away our rough edges. It wears away those things that keep us from entering deeper into His presence, those things that keep us from living out His will. God speaks to us through His Word. We need to train our heart and mind and soul to listen. Christian meditation is not merely emptying your mind, although in it we may often encounter a heart felt silence and peace. Meditating on the Word is allowing ourselves to be washed by water with the Word.

How can I meditate on the Word? If you are a student of the Bible and have spent any time in the studying, you probably have meditated. You will know this if the Word has changed your life, molded you. Has there been a transformation in your life? Are you being conformed to the image of Christ? A better question might be, "how can I more purposefully mediate on the Word of God?"

I am inviting you to enter into the truths of the humanity and suffering of Christ in order that you may see Him glorified and lifted up in greater measure. Since Jesus was like us when He walked on earth, we do not have to stretch our imaginations when we consider His humanity as we do when we consider His glorious presence in the expanse and indescribable beauty of the throne room of God.

In a quiet place each day, until you have worked through a passage of scripture like Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, or John 17, take a brief section and mediate. Begin with prayer. Ask that the Lord would illumine your mind, that He Himself would speak to you. Invite Him to be with you. Sit quietly.

Taking a short passage or a verse from the scriptures read it aloud, certain words will stand out, a phrase or picture will bring a memory or emotion, questions will arise in your mind, other scriptures will be recalled.

Read the section out loud again.

Something new stands out or maybe you come again to the same word or phrase this time with more urgency.

I suggest at some point you pause and write down what comes to mind. Write down any questions you may have. Answer them later on.

Abide in God's Word, as you continue to read aloud and listen until you feel the process is complete.

Here is an Example of what I mean:

Mediation on Isaiah 53:1

I've written down for your benefit what a session of meditation might be like for me. The beauty of God's word is that it can be specific for each person. You will probably have a different reaction to any given scripture. It won't be like any other person's. It may be different for you each time.

Read Aloud: "Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"

What strikes me about this verse, what stands out? I immediately ask "who has believed? What is the message? What is Isaiah trying to tell us." Already I feel called to attention. Having read and reread the chapter in preparation, I know the answers lie within the text. Isaiah is about to deliver the message to us. He is attempting to show us who the Messiah is, what He was like and what He will do. I know Jesus is his message. His question penetrates me. Do I believe?

"Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"

This time God is speaking. He is calling out. He is searching hearts for those whom would believe. Does He see my heart? Do I believe? Do I believe in such a way that my life is changed. Am I living like I believe? Do I know Jesus, God's message? Do I long to know Him more?

"Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"

This time I am calling out to those around me, "Who has believed our message?" I am part of the body of Christ and I am pleading to those who pass me by to listen. Who Am I pleading to? A friend? A family member? I see their faces. I see their need to know Jesus. So I pray to have boldness to speak. I pray they would have ears to hear. I think of 2 Corinthians 5:20.

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

"Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"

At this point I might take notes. I would write down questions, write down what thoughts and feelings were aroused. I would write down scriptures. I would ask God what is He trying to tell me? Is there someone who I need to share Jesus with?

"Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"

What stands out now is the arm of the Lord. I think of how Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father. Is Jesus the arm of the Lord? I picture a mighty hand stretched out. It is the power and strength and might of the Lord. I asked, "Who has seen the power of the Lord? Have I seen His power in my life? Has He been revealed to me? Did I receive His word with power when I believed? Is it only by power that the message can be believed? Is the Lord extending the power in His Word today?" Jesus is the Word of God. Isaiah is saying to us that the Lord is sending forth His only Son in power. Do we believe? I recall Romans 1:16

Am I ashamed of the gospel of Christ? Am I ashamed to call it's message out? Do I believe there is power in the Word?

I would spend some time inquiring of the Lord. I'd ask Him to search my heart and show me where I shrink back. I would ask Him for an opportunity to share. I would thank Him that He was sent His Word in power, that I have believed that Word, that the power of that Word has changed me into something I never was before, His new creation.