I’ve been thinking about the concept of abiding in Christ.
That’s been a part of my last two sermons, and I’m sure it’s been a devotional topic at least once. Part of that is the structure of the Revised Common Lectionary. The daily readings aren’t random. They center around the life of Christ, which guides the seasons of the church calendar.
Along the way, you will read continuous passages of scripture over several days. As you do, particular themes arise. Over the last few weeks, one of those notions has been to abide.
It’s good to have a structured approach to Bible study and devotion. Most guides have some sense of helpful arrangement. If you’re going to build a house, it’s good to do so with a plan. That’s what these tools provide–some are even called Bible reading plans.
So, if you’re hoping to build a walk with God, find a good plan.
We’ve said that to abide is to be at home. There are other definitions, but dwelling is the most common biblical concept. And it’s not only in John 15, where I have done most of my recent thinking about abiding.
Abiding is throughout scripture.
We see it in today’s reading from Exodus 24. This is a monumental moment for the people of God. Think of this mountain scene as their writing their names on the dotted line. God had made a covenant with them. Moses now goes up the mountain to receive the commandments of God. The people watch with fear and awe.
The text says that a cloud covered the mountain. When you read of a cloud in scripture, chances are it’s a sign of God’s presence. And then “the glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai.” God’s glory settled on the mountain in front of the people. Read it this way to appreciate what God did: God’s glory abided over the mountain for the people to see.
This is another example of God’s desire to abide with us.
What’s important about this example is that God offers the people a way to learn to abide with God. That’s what the commandments are. They aren’t mere rules and regulations. They’re the wisdom of God. Much later in God’s story, in John 15, Jesus picks up this idea. He said, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” God abides with us through the Word, Christ Jesus, and through the word, scripture.
All that to say, the word of God is a plan itself. The Bible isn’t classroom material. It’s God’s gift that teaches us how to abide with the Lord, to make ourselves at home with the Creator of all things.
Stay blessed…john
