Read: Act 17:1-15
They received the word with all eagerness, examining the scriptures daily. (v. 11)
The Berean church is the kind of church every pastor would love: “they received the word with all eagerness, examining the scriptures daily.” It was obvious to them that studying the Scriptures was exciting. They had now found the truth about life and God, and simply couldn’t put the Scriptures down.
It seems significant to me that at the heart of any genuine Christian ministry there is a great appreciation for the Word of God. Without the Word, all the preacher has is personal opinions. It is also true that unless the Word is at the center of our lives, we really have no guide on how to live or what we should believe. The psalmist had it right when he said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps. 119:105).
Although the Bible is purported to be the number one best-selling book, most people are amazingly ignorant of its content. Often people own Bibles but unfortunately do not read them. They sit on bookshelves or adorn coffee tables collecting dust.
The Bereans had a better idea. They eagerly studied the Scriptures, and it was to their great advantage to do so. It was as Paul would later write to Timothy: the holy Scriptures are able to make us “wise for salvation” and are “profitable” for helping us become “complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:15-17). —John Koedyker
As you pray, ask God to help you to eagerly examine the Scriptures.
About the Author
Rev. John Koedyker has been a pastor in the Reformed Church in America for more than forty years. His ministry began in Japan where he served as a missionary for ten years. After that he has served churches in Iowa and Michigan. He has served as the Stated Clerk of Muskegon Classis, RCA, for the past sixteen years and also presently serves as pastor of congregational care at First Reformed Church of Grand Haven, Michigan. John has written a number of times previously for Words of Hope and he has a bi-monthly religion column in the Grand Haven Tribune. He is married to Marilyn, and they have four grown children and seven grandchildren.
