Principles of Interpretation: Meditation (Part 2)
Yesterday, we began considering this principle of Bible interpretation: We must meditate on the word of God daily.

We noted that the Bible is a storehouse of treasures that we must value. We must seek the precious jewels that can be found within the inspired text. Tragically, many never meditate upon God's word because they suffer from spiritual blindness.

Another reason why some do not search the Scriptures is because they are confident that they cannot be understood in the same way by different people. The proof they provide for this claim is the fact that there are thousands of denominations in existence today. In response to their assertion, I would stress the points that we made last week regarding the understandability of the sacred text. If the Bible is incomprehensible, then God has failed somewhere--and that is a statement that simply cannot be true.

Others do not meditate upon the Scriptures because they have a lack of fervency about spiritual matters; they just don't care. Those who genuinely believe that the Bible contains treasures of priceless value cannot help but study and reflect upon it. The Lord is looking for those who "hunger and thirst" for His will (Matt. 5:6). He is looking for those who choose to zealously and lovingly follow Him to the utmost degree.

Friends, one of the reasons why daily meditation or reflection upon God's word is so important is that it takes time to grow and mature in an understanding of the truth. One doesn't go from infancy to manhood overnight in either the physical or spiritual realm. Growth should be a continual journey or pursuit. There is no easy or quick way to absorb knowledge. Understanding God's word should be a lifelong pursuit, and it should bring joy to our lives each day. This is one of the purposes of Audio Evangelism. We hope that by encouraging disciples to study and meditate upon the Scriptures daily, that we will be able to assist them in their spiritual walk.

Let us now read some passages that stress the importance of meditation for children of God:

God commanded in Joshua 1:8 - "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

The Psalmist once said to the Lord - "Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts. I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Your word. I have not departed from Your judgments, for You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way" (Psa. 119:97-104).

Paul wrote in I Timothy 4:13,15 - "Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine...Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all."

Philippians 4:8 states - "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things."

In closing, allow me to share an illustration. There once was a woman who came up to a preacher after his sermon and said, "I'd give half my life to know what you know." The preacher replied, "That's about what it cost me." Unfortunately, in our world of quick conveniences, people are accustomed to getting what they want now. Many quickly grow weary if they cannot obtain instant knowledge and wisdom. They are not willing to invest the necessary time and effort to grow in their understanding. Dear listeners, meditate upon God's word daily--you will not regret it, and such will enable you to understand, obey, and serve to your fullest potential.