In our Gospel reading for this week John the Baptist begins his ministry of “Preparing the way of the Lord” by issuing the people with a call to repentance. and Godly living.
‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Matthew 3:2
His call has a sense of urgency because in Jesus the Kingdom of heaven has come near. The Book of Common Prayer collect for the Second Sunday in Advent reminds us of gift of scripture in helping us to live this life of repentance. To repent literally means to turn back to God and knowing the Bible is vital our living the life of faith.
Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
The collect challenges us not only to read, mark and learn scripture but to inwardly digest it. To digest something is to allow it to be absorbed into our bodies, to nourish us, to become a part of us and to strengthen us. So, if you haven't already ,why not make prayerfully reading your Bible a part of your daily routine and let yourself be enriched by God’s living word.
Till next time…..Andrew
