The Forgotten Teachings of Jesusনমুনা

Hope through Meditating on Scripture

The night is cool along the Sea of Galilee. The scent of fish lingers in the air, drifting over from the port where merchants are closing up shop and fishermen are casting off to seek tomorrow’s catch.

Close by, a father sits with his daughter outside the tent that is their home. The girl awakens abruptly from a nightmare and comes to her father for comfort. He does what any first-century Jewish father would do in such a moment—he offers her the words of God’s promise from the prophet Isaiah.

Her father recites these words from memory. The words feel so natural. He doesn’t pause. He doesn’t search. The words simply flow. Through this touching moment, The Chosen gives us a bold introduction to the world of Jesus.

Unlike today, the people of Jesus’ day didn’t have personal copies of Scripture. Few if any had access to all the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament). Even the local synagogue would have had only a handful of scrolls. So, instead, the Jewish people would memorize Scripture. They would begin to learn it at an early age from whatever source they could, and they would recite it frequently throughout each day.

In this tender exchange between father and daughter, the father is demonstrating this practice. He is helping his daughter to have God’s Word written upon her heart, readily accessible wherever she is and in whatever she is going through.

But by opening the series with this particular verse from Isaiah, The Chosen is communicating something more. Obviously, these words would be comforting in and of themselves, a reminder that God will never abandon this little girl—that the Lord will see her through whatever is causing her to worry. But these words aren’t meant just for her.

Isaiah wrote these words at a time when the Israelites had been removed from their land by the Babylonians. They were captives in a foreign country, and they had no idea when or if they would ever return home. Isaiah was promising that this was not the end of their story. He was telling them not to fear, for the Lord would redeem them, return them to their land, and set them free again. And, ultimately, that is precisely what the Lord did.

To the people of Jesus’ day, Scripture was a gift. Sometimes, they would even dance when it was read! And Scripture is still a gift. As this first episode continues, we will discover that it is not only this young girl who finds herself in trouble. Every person we meet is in distress. All of their lives are dark and filled with conflict. In most cases, it is the absence of God’s Word in their lives and a separation from the community that has led them to such a painful place. But as we will soon see, God’s Word is about to come into their lives to set them free.

Reflect: What Scripture has given me hope in a time of trouble?

Prayer Starter: Jesus, you are the Word and the Light of the World. Reveal your words of life to me today…