God has been speaking to me through the scripture more than I can ever remember. A while back I was watching a movie that my parents introduced to me at a young age. I would regularly sing the musical numbers in the movie, and would "bless" my kids with songs from the movie (often to their embarrassment). What is this classical movie with catchy tunes you ask? Why, Fiddler on the Roof of course!
In the movie the main character laments his life as a poor man by singing a song called "If I Were a Rich Man" (yubby dibby dibby dum). You may have heard this song some where. Anyways, with in this fun and catchy song the singer takes a break from his light hearted banter, and with an earnest voice sings out:
If I were rich, I'd have the time that I lack
To sit in the synagogue and pray.
And maybe have a seat by the Eastern wall.
And I'd discuss the holy books with the learned men, several hours every day.
That would be the sweetest thing of all.
I used to nearly cry when I would listen to that song, I would say to God: "GIVE ME THAT DESIRE" I want to desire to just sit and learn, to chew over the scriptures to Hagah them, and believe like the Psalmist says of the scripture "They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb."
I think that God has been giving me a heart to be that same man! I see in scripture things I never saw before, and make connections that excite me. All that being said, I wonder at times what to do with it.
I was sharing at one time with my pastor (a man who I respect now more than ever) how I was getting excited about seeing new things in scripture. He got excited with me, but then asked a question that stopped me in my tracks. "Thats great Dallas, now what do you do with it?" I was set back on my heels, what do you mean? It's scripture! you tell people, and they... well they...
Truth without application is a weird thing. We can know truth, but if we don't do anything with it do we really know the truth?
I've been reading about Samuel lately and his interactions with Saul and David. There's a great list I could put on here about the desirable characteristics of a leader (possibly fitting for election time...) but I won't. Why not? Thats not what God is speaking to me, not really.
You see, I'm a Father, and I want to teach my children to be good leaders, to be honest, to persevere, and a host of other things.
Here I am staring into failings of fathers who did not pass on to the next generation good character, did they not take Deuteronomy seriously? It was in that moment that God spoke to me, he spoke of teaching my children good character, but to teach them because it is in the Word. It is in scripture, and so it is important to God! Scripture transcends generations, and is the reason to teach my kids, because it is important to God!
