How many times has your mind wandered during a public reading? We sometimes read scripture aloud during an assembly. But it is just something we do or does the passage read really touch our heart? Does the passage read express a completed thought or are they just verses with no context that fill the allotted time?
I can remember early one Sunday morning still trying to decide what to preach on. Yes, I know that is cutting it really close to the wire, but that was where I was at the time. I wound up reading Romans chapter eight. Without warning, tears were running down my face. I had my sermon for that morning. I still find it hard to read Romans eight without the tears flowing.
As I age I’m finding new meaning in more passages of scripture than ever before. Read about Christ on the cross and tears flow. Read about how people mourned over the loss of a loved one and the tears flow. Public reading of scripture — in Nehemiah 8:9 as the law was read to the people of Israel they stood and wept. They didn’t stand so they could weep; they stood out of respect for the “Law of God” that was being read. They wept because as they listened, they understood how far they had wandered from the truth.
The next time someone asks you to stand for the reading of God’s word, get prepared to listen and be moved. Moved to greater faithfulness, greater understanding, and greater realization of God’s love. It’s o.k.if the tears flow; that just means the heart has been moved.
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Thanks Scott. I went through a period when I was unmoved by the Word of God, and I’m so thankful He touched my heart and softened it to His message once again. Now, just as you described today, there are certain passages that just get to me every time, especially if the mood is right. Nathan’s confrontation of David is a good one (2 Samuel 12), as is the story of Jephthah and his daughter (Judges 11), but when I read the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ trial and treatment leading up to His death, it’s just too much. I’m thankful for the reminders though.