Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good (1 Pet. 2:2-3).

A minister friend from a tradition that only considered the Bible a human invention wandered from the faith. Still, when offered a free trip to the Holy Land, he jumped at the opportunity, only to discover that the tour was loaded with ministers.

He laid low, not participating in any of the worship duties until the final day of the trip. Then, he was asked to do his part by conducting a communion service at one of the sites commemorating Jesus’ resurrection. As he mouthed the familiar words about eating and drinking Christ’s provision “until he comes again,” the wayward minister discovered real faith. He believed the truth of God’s Word.

The rest of the ministers continued to walk the historical site, but my friend immediately returned to the bus. He could not wait to return to his hotel to read a Bible there. “For the first time in my life,” he said, “I was thirsty for the Word.”

Too many people read God’s Word as a religious ritual to bribe God to be nice to them. When we understand instead that it is the bread of life, providing nourishment for our souls, then we long for it.

Like newborn infants longing for a mother’s milk, those who have been born again by the Spirit of God thirst for the spiritual nourishment of Scripture. That’s not a chore; it’s the joy that strengthens.

Prayer:
Father, as I read your Word today, may you give me the nourishment I need to grow in Christ. Help me not to read to bribe you but to feast on the bread of life you offer.