I had grown up in a Christian home, surrendered my life to Christ at 16, began Bible college at 21, and was a youth leader during my college days. I served faithfully. I was ALL in for Jesus and have been ever since. But when I was in my early 30’s, I was invited to a Precept Bible class. It was here in this class, as I began to study the Bible inductively, that I discovered the most valuable thing that would literally transform me and set me on a new pathway… the Word of God. Yes, I knew it was important. Yes, I had studied it in college. Yes, I had even taught it to the youth. But it was in Precepts that I discovered its true value. And my mission in life is to help others discover the same thing.
It's always amazing when we discover something that literally changes our life… something we keep going back to because of its value. We know that this discovery is a treasure. Well, Mary of Bethany discovered something that literally rocked her to the core: Jesus’ words. In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus comes to Mary, Martha, and Lazarus’ home for a visit. And we read that “Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to what he taught” (Luke 10:39). This story is familiar to all of us and we often focus on Martha’s busyness and Mary’s heart. But today I was moved by Mary’s discovery.
I love that it says that Mary listened, and as she listened, she discovered Jesus’ words as invaluable. Jesus then said that this would never be taken away from her. I’m guessing that Mary just wanted to hear what Jesus had to say because she knew that His words mattered. Every word pierced her heart, moved her spirit, lifted her up, and guided her throughout the day. She was completely transformed whenever she heard Jesus’ words.
A few years ago, a friend of mine told me that her pastor was doing a series on Jesus’ words. She said it was powerful and impactful. I realize that the whole Bible is God’s Word, but after reading this story today, I want to take some time to focus on what Jesus had to say. He covered every topic imaginable… I want to know what He has to say about life, relationships, government, the world, Christianity, marriage, parenting, people, the future, the end-times, and how to live right now as I await His return. Most Bibles have Jesus’ words in red so that makes it easy. I plan to focus on Jesus’ words for a while. Will you join me?