With all readiness of mind

Acts 17:11

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Many of us hear the Scriptures often. We hear them in the house of the Lord, we hear them in our personal reading, and through other avenues. It is constantly around us and we are exposed to it daily. But that doesn’t make all good. Hearing the Scriptures means little to nothing if it makes no impact. If we are hearers only, and not doers, what doth it profit? We that are accustomed to hearing the Word often are at the greatest danger of peril. We are in danger of becoming mediocre, taking the wonderful words of God for granted. We are in danger of hearing the Word dispassionately, listlessly, and without zeal. This is when our lives lose their true life. When we become careless about the glorious oracles of God, we will obey them less and may stray into disobedience and sin.

But how may we receive God’s Word? We must receive it how the Bereans did. For if we do, we shall be doers and not hearers only. The Bereans received the Word with all readiness of mind, and furthermore, they searched the Scriptures daily. We must search the Scriptures daily! We must love the Scriptures! We must study them deeply, feasting on the wonderful truth of God. For if we do, our passion shall remain ignited, and our love for Him always aflame. And when the Lord begins to speak to us, we shall respond, “Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth!”

How shall you hear the Word of the Lord today? Will it be in the house of the Lord? If so, will you listen with all readiness of mind? If you are reading the Scriptures in your own devotional time, will you receive it with readiness of mind? That is the only way that any real difference will be effected. May the Lord give us readiness of mind today!

“Dear Lord, we pray that our minds would be ready and our hearts open for you to speak with us this day. May we have readiness at all times. May we desire it, long for it, and look for it. And whatever you have to say to us today, may not one word of it fall to the ground because of our lack of readiness. We are ready to hear! And then, help us to obey as you speak! And we shall praise you for all these things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”