“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” -Psalm 119:114
It was my first Easter Sunday as a pastor. I was nervous to be in the pulpit on such a sacred day. Aimee and I were serving two churches at Highland and Fort Cobb. Although I was nervous, I was excited to preach on that special day. I woke up early to make sure I was prepared. Our family left the house early for what was sure to be a fun day. We made the long drive to the church. With each mile my excitement grew.
We arrived at the church, several miles from our home. We collected our belongings and headed for the building. That is when I realized I had forgotten something at home. There in the gravel parking lot of the Highland Methodist Church I had a moment of panic. In all the excitement of the morning I had left my Bible at the house. Of all the things for the preacher to leave behind…my Bible. To make matters worse, tucked into the pages that Bible were my sermon notes. This was not how I imagined my first Easter Sunday.
My first instinct was to jump in the car and race back to the house. However, we were too far away and there was not enough time. I went in a found a Bible on the shelf in another room. I marked my scripture and was ready to go…after a several deep breaths and a quick prayer.
I often thank back on that Easter morning. We were able to celebrate our risen Lord. There was a sermon, and the scripture was read for all to hear. I laugh now, but I also double check before I leave my office or the house to make sure I have my Bible.
God’s word is so important to us. It is meant for us to study, to cherish, and carry with us as we go throughout the day. It doesn’t particularly mean that we should carry our Bibles in our hand wherever we go, but that we should meditate on God‘s word in such a way that it finds a place in our memory and becomes rooted in our souls. This allows us to be led by God. I was thankful that I had studied the Easter story so often that week, and that I had gotten up early to make sure I read it several more times. I have never regretted spending time reading scripture. It brings joy and peace to me as I study.
As St. Luke’s continues to read through the Bible this year, I want to encourage you, keep going. If you are struggling keeping up with the readings, that is ok. Keep going. If you need to start again, that is ok. Keep going. God’s word is a blessing to us. It is a gift to our soul.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
