May I Have Your Autograph?
Bible Reading: John 1:1-5, 14
The Word became human and lived here on earth among us. John 1:14
Sixteen-year-old soccer fanatic Lucy Chavez had ruled her age group every year in the park league. Now she was dreaming that someday she would play soccer in the Olympics. But the competition kept getting tougher, and Lucy knew she had to play smarter if she wanted to stay ahead.
She discovered that her idol, soccer star Erin Dupree, had just written a book about soccer. In a snap Lucy ordered the book on-line for overnight delivery. It was huge, the most detailed soccer book Lucy had ever seen. It was so hard to understand that Lucy almost gave up trying to read it. The information was there, but she wasn’t getting it.
One day during soccer practice, her coach called out to her from the sideline. “Lucy,” she hollered, “plant your foot more ahead of the ball.” The advice worked.
When Lucy turned to thank her coach, she couldn’t believe her eyes. Erin Dupree was standing next to her coach! “Erin and I grew up together,” Coach explained as Lucy approached in awe. “She’s in town on a book-signing tour. That advice I just gave you came from her.”
“Your coach has told me a lot about you,” the soccer star said. “I like what I see. Can we get together after practice to talk about your game?”
Put yourself in Lucy’s cleats. Would you ever say something like, “Thanks for the offer, Ms. Dupree, but I can’t meet with you. I have to hurry home from practice to study your book.”
No way. Unless Lucy has taken one too many headers, that girl will jump at the chance to get to know her hero. What better way to understand a book than to have the author explain it? Lucy, of course, accepted the invitation. Erin’s book came alive for her.
Understanding the Bible and having its truth leap alive for us happens the same way. We need a personal relationship with the author, the one John calls “the Word.” That’s right—the Bible and Jesus Christ are both called the Word of God.
Whenever we open the Bible, we connect with God’s written Word and his living Word—Jesus, his Son. Jesus is eager to help us understand and put into action what he wrote. He is the one who really makes “personal devotions” personal!
TALK: How can you take advantage of God’s offer to teach you firsthand from his Word? As you read the Bible, are you meeting with him—or just flipping pages in a book?
PRAY: Lord, we’re glad that when we open your Word, you are right there with us to teach us.
ACT: Take a new attitude with you this week to the time you spend in the Bible. Expect to meet Jesus!