Lent: A Season of Drawing Closer to GodSample

Week 2 Filling

Filling with Scripture

Read: Exodus 34:27–28; Romans 10:17; 15:4

SOAP: Romans 15:4

For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope.

Into the Text

What a gift to live in a time where we have access to God’s written Word! This has not always been the case for God’s people. When Moses received the tablets on Mount Sinai, it was the first time God physically wrote His words down for His people.

For centuries, God’s people only had access to His written Word in a synagogue or temple. The people would gather at the temple, and later the synagogues, and hear His Word read aloud. Even as Christianity spread, God’s people gathered to hear His Word. It was not until after the invention of the printing press in 1439 that Scripture became available to the masses.

God wants us filled with His Word. Having access to the Bible in the way we do today is a privilege and an enormous blessing. However, an ability to easily access Scripture does not mean we have filled ourselves with it. When we fast, we remove distractions and create space to immerse ourselves in God’s Word.

What can you do today to bring more of God’s Word into your life? Can you read it aloud with your family at dinner? Can you memorize a verse? Can you listen to an audio version of Scripture as you go about your day? Let’s intentionally fill our lives with truth, with the Word of God, which was written for our instruction and encouragement, and to give us hope as we endure our daily struggles.