He Shoots, He Scores
Friday, January 20, 2023
“It is very possible to stay close to the Word of the Lord and not be close to the Lord of the Word.” – Alistair Begg
There is a saying in hockey that is usually reserved for play-by-play announcers. “He shoots, he scores,” the announcer shouts into the mic, lacking the time to say much else in such a fast-paced game.
Well, I’m not a hockey player and I’ve only ice skated twice in my life, but Alistair Begg “shot and scored” on me with today’s quote. Although I have been a Christian for 45 years and am currently pastoring a small church, I still find it easy to fall into the trap that he describes.
Reading the Bible daily is a great habit to develop and studying it intently in preparation to teach a class or preach a sermon is admirable, too. But if you (meaning ME) aren’t also spending time alone with God, communing one-on-one with Him in prayer and meditation, then you’re missing the boat.
Just imagine if I spent all my time reading about Deanna, but not much time actually enjoying her company. I would have lots of head knowledge about my wife, but little if any heart knowledge… which is far more important. Fortunately, after 38 years of marriage, I understand Deanna on both levels – as much as any husband can his wife and vice versa – and we complement each other well. In fact, we get along just fine living in a 34-foot RV where you can’t exactly hide from one another.
One of the signs of a rich and long-standing relationship is finishing each other’s sentences. Deanna and I do that all the time. Wouldn’t it be great if our relationship with Jesus was so close that we not only knew what each other was thinking, but also finished each other’s sentences, too?
I realize that God, in His omniscience, knows my every thought even before I have one. He also knows my words before they are uttered. Oh, that I would seek to know Him just as well.
“And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” Genesis 5:24 (NKJV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
