This last January I was told by a very good friend that I had to get back into the daily reading of the Bible, that that's where God really makes His connection with us. I was reluctant because I didn't always understand what I read. Now, having followed this advise, the Word comes alive for me and I look forward to my time spent there. This caught my eye today and I wanted to share it with you. DOUBLE EXPOSURE "Ezra read plainly from the book of the law of God, interpreting it so that all could understand what was read." —Nehemiah 8:8 Ezra read the Bible to the people from daybreak until midday (Neh 8:3). The people heard God's word for nearly six hours. This extensive exposure to the word led them to life-changing commitment (Neh 8:6), tearful repentance (Neh 8:9), and joyful celebration (Neh 8:10). When we expose ourselves to God's word for an extended time, amazing things happen. For example, the risen Jesus spent much of the afternoon on His resurrection day explaining the Scriptures to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Lk 24:27). By the power of God's word, their hearts began to burn within them (Lk 24:32). After the beheading of John the Baptizer and before the multiplication of the loaves and fish, Jesus taught a vast crowd "at great length" (Mk 6:34). After healing the lame man, Peter and John preached from about 3 PM into the evening (Acts 4:3). "Many of those who had heard the speech believed; the number of men came to about five thousand" (Acts 4:4). On one occasion, Paul preached to the Christians of Troas all night long and closed the Mass by raising a dead man (Acts 20:7ff). There are things which will never happen in our lives without an extended exposure to God's word. Devour the word. May it be the joy and happiness of your heart (Jer 15:16).
