Devoted to the Scriptures

Dear Exiles

1×

0:00

-32:49

Devoted to the Scriptures

Opening to God, Pt 2 of 6*

Your Pastor Reads Books

Aug 17, 2023

Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published

Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
Nehemiah 8:9

We think we’re reading the Bible, but the Scriptures might be reading us.

Its stories and truths sinking inside us when we meditate, ponder, or wonder.

Like the Israelites hearing the reading of the Book of the Law for the very first time (Nehemiah 8:1-12), we might find ourselves cut to the heart or moved to tears—all work of the invitational Spirit of God.

*Preached at CityChurch in downtown Iowa City on January 30, 2022.

Hey! Thanks for being here. I’m a book-obsessed pastor, podcaster, author, and holistic life and leadership coach. For essays and podcasts that come straight to your inbox, subscribe to this Dear Exiles newsletter in the subscription box above. Fun fact: I’m also the author of Dear Boy:, An Epistolary Memoir and the host of the Your Pastor Reads Books podcast.

0 Comments

Dear Exiles

Like the Hebrew exiles in Babylon, people of faith need a road map—or a story or a song—to envision a life of flourishing while living far from our heavenly home. Join me if you, too, are endeavoring to build a house or plant a garden in the spirit of Jeremiah 29. I’m talking in metaphors, of course. (Extra points for you if you literally operate power tools and grow tomatoes.)

Listen on