Take Up and Read

The teacher was at his wits’ end. His search for truth had led him to understand some of the gospel, but he could not escape the never-ceasing pull of “a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions” (1 John 2:16). He felt helpless and frustrated beyond measure. He sought solace in the garden behind his home, as a stroll in a verdant setting can sometimes quiet a soul’s turmoil. But not so on this day. In anguish he cried out, “How long, oh Lord?!” And he began to weep. Then the strangest thing happened. He heard a child singing, “Tolle lege, tolle lege,” which is Latin for, “Take up and read.” His prayer had been sincere, and he heard this as the form of an answer, so he grabbed the nearest book—his Bible—and opened to Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome and read these words: “Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires” (Romans 13:13-14). Instantly, he was flooded with hope and joy and placed his faith in Jesus. Thus was the conversion of Augustine of Hippo in the year AD 386. He went on to become one of the most influential theologians and philosophers in Western history. Though Augustine was not perfect, God worked through him to help the church develop a deeper understanding of the gospel. God’s Word has the power to change you—to renew you and give you life. Jesus is called the Word made flesh (John 1:14), and the Bible contains His written words to us. Jesus came and lived among us, died, and rose again because He loves us. He has the power to change anyone. It doesn’t take a dramatic afternoon in a garden to experience this in your life. Augustine spent a lot of time in the Bible before his conversion and a lot more time afterward. So whether you are a non-Christian, a new Christian, or have believed in Jesus many years, “tolle lege;” take up and read. • Cameron DeCou • The Bible is a vital part of every Christian’s life because it’s one way God reveals Himself to us. When you have questions about the Bible, who can you ask? What resources could help you? The Word [Jesus] gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. John 1:4 (NLT)

Read Verses:

John 1:1-John 1:5; Romans 13:8-Romans 13:14; 2 Timothy 3:14-2 Timothy 3:17