Spiritual Heartburn

When you get up in the morning, what is the first thing you think about? The Bible? Maybe some people do. And if you’re one of them, I tip my hat to you. When I get up in the morning, what is the first thing I think about? The church? No. Harvest Crusades? No. To be honest, I think about food. That’s just human nature.

Now let’s broaden that a little and talk about spiritual food for a moment. If we are willing to neglect an occasional meal because our schedule is so hectic, wouldn’t it be great if we also were willing to neglect a physical meal to make time for the Word of God? I like what Job said about God’s Word, “I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12).

Remember those two discouraged and downhearted disciples on the Emmaus road? They thought Jesus was going to establish a physical kingdom and overthrow the tyranny of Rome. But instead, in their minds at least, He went and got himself killed. So they were walking along discouraged, when a stranger joined them. Although they didn’t know it, it was Jesus himself. He spoke to them about all the things in Scripture concerning himself. By the end of the journey, their hearts were burning again.

When He disappeared, they said, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32).

We all need a good case of spiritual heartburn. And we will get it when Jesus Christ speaks to us through His Word.