Devo 18: Living & Active Word of God

Have you ever read a book or watch a movie that you just got caught up in? Did the excitement of it pull you in, and you began to imagine yourself in that world so much so that you became a part of the story?

Well, about two years ago, I discovered that you could do that with the Bible! That was kinda shocking to me, because I have been in daily Bible classes since third grade, and most of the time, I just tuned the stories out. I had already heard them before—a million times. Most of the time, it was pretty boring to me. Living and active Word of God? Uh, yeah…

But then, I heard a sermon about Revelation 4—the throne room of God and how the angels were filled with eyes and each time they sang, “Holy,” it was out of response to something new they saw in God. Each time the elders threw their crowns down, it was because of a new realization of His brilliance and love toward them—not out of religious obligation.

Upon hearing this sermon, I realized that I was made to be fascinated by a God that is beautiful and so big that He is unknowable. Each time you look at Him, there is something new. I realized that if I put myself in the story, I would be fascinated each time I read the story, and layers and layers of the knowledge of God would be opened to me.

I was doing that today with Luke 23:1-16. This is where Jesus is brought to Pilate for judgment. Let your imagination take you into the story.

Imagine, a huge crowd of people pushing Jesus toward Pilate—yelling, accusing, pushing, hitting, spitting…Then, they come before Pilate and lay the accusation before him, “This man is claiming to be King!”

The crowd quickly becomes silent as Pilate questions Jesus. No one says a word. Looking him straight in the eyes, Pilate is aware that this is no ordinary man. He knows the answer to the question before he even asks it, but weighing the situation, he asks, “Are you king of the Jews?”

In silence, Jesus stares straight back into his eyes. His gaze is not threatening, but full of wisdom, knowledge, and love. This man knows His identity. He answers quietly and firmly, “It is as you say.”

A murmur goes through the crowd, eagerly anticipating Pilate’s response—but Pilate’s eyes are locked on Jesus. Pilate knows. Truth is staring him in the face. Turning to the crowd without any doubt in his voice, Pilate says, “I find no fault in this Man.”

The crowd is in an uproar, and Pilate knows he is caught between a rock and a hard place. He wrestles in his mind, “It would please everyone if I just sentenced Him to death, and yet…those eyes…He is a king. I know a king when I see one. There is no doubt in my mind…but wait, did they say He was from Galilee? Oh, good! A way out. Galilee is Herod’s jurisdiction. Whew!”

So he sends Jesus to Herod. Verse 8 is really surprising. Herod is excited. “Finally! Jesus of Nazareth!” King Herod sits and waits thinking, “Could it be? I get to meet this Man from Nazareth? I have heard he has raised the dead, cleansed lepers, made the lame walk, and the blind see. Sounds like an entrepreneurial opportunity to me. My own personal magician—kings from every corner of the earth would pay to see this man perform miracles—and here I get to judge Him! I can do whatever I want with Him!”

Jesus stands before Herod as Herod questions Him over and over, “Who are you? Can you perform miracles? Are you a king? A prophet? A god? What are you doing here?”

But, Jesus just stands there—he says nothing (Luke 23:9). Like a sheep led to the slaughter, He did not open His mouth (Is. 53:7).

Herod is enraged and the crowd is unceasingly accusing Him. Yet, He does not say a word. He knew he just needed to perform one miracle for Herod and it would change everything, but he didn’t say a word. He already said, “Not my will, Lord, but yours be done.” He knew the prophecies--Genesis 3:15, Psalm 22, Isaiah 53. He knew what was about to happen. And so, he was silent.

I am amazed at how this account really parallels the prophecy of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53. Also, I am amazed at how I have heard and read that story a million times and yet I just had this revelation on it today. This is the Living and Active Word of God (Heb. 4:12). It’s not boring. I am boring. I just have to use my imagination, get into the story, and watch it come to life.

This is the value of meditation. I want to open your eyes to this new found hobby of mine. It’s much safer than with books and movies. It’s what we were made to do—gaze on God, and like those angels and elders around His throne, be overwhelmed every time.

So, this week, focus on a short passage of Scripture for twenty minutes each day. Before you begin, ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him (Eph. 1:17). Start with a narrative of Jesus from the Gospels. Put yourself in the story and let your imagination go. It’s okay to use it—especially with the Bible. It’s a safe place. You’ll find that the Bible isn’t so boring after all. It’s actually kind of fun…and living…and active. Huh. Wow.

Love you.

Amanda

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