In our "Daily Bread" for this week we learned the difference between academically studying the scriptures and the Middle Eastern way to "sim lev" or set the Scripture upon the heart through repetition and "hagah" ( devouring the scripture like a lion eating its prey). The Jewish people have a weekly Bible reading called the parashah or portion. They devour or "take in" a weekly portion to become part of them, consuming the Scriptures, setting it upon their heart to become a part of who they are.
The lesson reminded me of this photo I took while we were at the Israel Museum. It is actually a climate controlled bunker housing the Dead Sea Scrolls, including the earliest known surviving manuscripts of works later included in the Hebrew Bible Canon. Using the latest technology, they have carefully preserved and displayed the Word of God for us. And it is mandatory for students to regularly visit the museum so they appreciate the history and gift they were given.
While we were at the museum, a group of elementary students arrived to view the scrolls. Deuteronomy 8:3 is surely inside their teachers: "He humbled you by letting you go hungry; then he gave you manna to eat which you and your ancestors had not known, so that you might learn that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD."
We are so blessed the Jewish people have preserved the Word of God for us. And we are blessed to have multiple translations that include a wide variety of aids in studying. Plus, we can freely purchase Bibles and carry a Bible with us without fear of being arrested or persecuted. (That's my Independence Day lecture....)
At church, we are teaching Bible Skills to our Kingdom Kids and encouraging them to memorize scripture by using points and competition as the motivation. Some lessons have worked better than others... What methods have worked for you in teaching children how to "devour" the Word of God?
I am thankful my Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Norton, encouraged us to memorize (get it inside us) Psalm 1: (I've added the Hebrew translation of "meditates" in parenthesis.)
"How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers!
Instead, his delight is in the LORD'S instruction, and he meditates (Hagah-devours like a lion eating its prey) on it day and night.
He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
The wicked are not like this; instead, they are like chaf that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand up in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin."
Speaking of "Independence Day", we plan to attend Robin and Jeff's annual fish fry and fireworks. I think I will take Gayla's Cornbread Salad. Here is the recipe I have adapted for our diet:
Cornbread Salad
Bake a "Jiffy" Cornbread Mix according to directions. Cool and crumble.
Dice one medium onion; one green pepper, four ripe tomatoes and 1/2 Cup sweet pickles.
Mix one cup mayonnaise and 1/4 cup pickle vinegar together. Add to vegetables and crumbled cornbread. Toss well. Refrigerate overnight. Enjoy!
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