Last week, we talked about Jesus’ invitation to abide in Him—to find our home in Him and learn to live our lives in continual fellowship with Him. But how do we actually do that?
One way is this: we listen to Him.
Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.” — John 8:31
The Bible isn’t merely a book to read, information to master, or another task to check off our spiritual to-do list. We open God’s Word because we want to know Jesus. In fact, Jesus told the religious leaders that it was possible to know the Scriptures and still miss the One they were pointing to: “You search the Scriptures… and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” (John 5:39–40)
That means the goal isn’t simply to finish the chapter. The goal is to meet with Jesus.
So slow down. Read a paragraph. Pay attention. Ask questions. Look for what the passage reveals about who God is, what He has done, what He loves, what He commands, and what He promises. And above all, ask: What does this help me see about Jesus?
Remember, a branch cannot abide in the Vine while ignoring His words. Jesus said, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you…” (John 15:7). His Word dwelling in us is part of what it means for us to dwell in Him.
A student once told his teacher, "I haven't heard God's voice in a few months." The teacher asked the student, "When was the last time you read God's Word?" And the student replied, "a few months ago." Don't make it harder than it is to hear from God.
This week: Give Jesus the first of your day. Before you open your Bible, pray: “Jesus, I want to know You. Open my eyes to see You in Your Word.” Then read. Don’t worry about how much you understand or how much you accomplish. Just begin with one question: “Jesus, what do You want me to see about You today?”
Don’t just read your Bible. Hear His voice.