“I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified” Acts 20:32 (ESV). This quote is from Paul’s speech to the elders of the Ephesian church, and he emphasizes how important the “word of his grace” is for our spiritual growth. If we devote ourselves honestly and wholly to God’s words, absorbing Scripture, then his words will definitely build us up. This means meditating on them; chewing them until they because part of us. Then, we will be assured of gaining an inheritance with the rest of the saints of God, which reminds us of Jesus words to “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Mt. 6:20). Below is an effective pattern for absorbing Scripture (meditation):
Activational Scripture Reading.
- Absorb. Read a passage of scripture, for example the verse in this post and ask:
What is this passage saying? Study it.
Take at least 2 minutes to absorb what it is saying. - Truths. Invite God to reveal your heart and ask yourself: “Is there a truth in this passage that I haven’t fully embraced?” If so, embrace it by telling God you are committed to it.
Ruminate on the truth for at least 2 minutes until you absorb it. - Virtues/Actions. Invite God to reveal your heart and ask yourself: “Is there a virtue or action in this passage that I am not fully embracing?” If so, embrace it by telling God you are committed to it. Determine the next step in committing to the virtue or action and then take it as soon as possible.
- Receive. Ask God to show you anything haven’t fully embraced as well as anything else He desires and sit with God for at least sixty seconds. If He gives an impression then cooperate accordingly.
Use the four headings to remind yourself to practice absorbing Scripture.
