Having the Scriptures and a Heart for Christ
Scripture was never meant to end at the page—but to awaken the heart to the Person.
Devotional Credit: eManna by Witness Lee
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Today's reflection from Witness Lee shines a light on one of the most haunting ironies in all of Scripture: the religious leaders of Israel knew where the Messiah would be born, yet they made no effort to go and see Him. Bethlehem was just a short journey away, but none of the scribes, priests, or elders went. They had the Scriptures—perhaps even memorized—but their hearts were unmoved by the Person those Scriptures proclaimed.
The magi, strangers to the covenants and promises of Israel, traveled from afar with only a star to guide them. Meanwhile, those entrusted with the Word remained unmoved in their familiarity. What a piercing commentary on the danger of loving Bible knowledge more than the One it reveals.
This devotional challenges us to ask: Is my heart stirred by Christ Himself, or merely by the information about Him? Have I fallen into the trap of approaching Scripture as a book to be mastered rather than a gateway to intimacy with the Living Word? The Spirit calls us not merely to study the Word, but to be drawn to the Person who is the Word made flesh. The question is not how far Bethlehem is—but whether our hearts are willing to go.
✍🏼 Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I have not hidden Myself from you. I have spoken through the prophets, preserved the Scriptures, and come near in the Person of My Son. The Word became flesh, not to be studied as an artifact, but to be received as Life.
You search the Scriptures diligently, and this is good—for they speak of Me. But if you stop at the page, you miss the Person. I am not an idea to master, I am the One who holds all things together and holds you in My heart. My Word is alive because I am alive. Every line you read invites you into My presence.
The religious leaders knew where to look but refused to draw near. They prized their knowledge more than Me. You are not like them. You have My Spirit within you. I have removed your heart of stone and given you a heart that longs for Me. Come—draw near with boldness, not merely to learn, but to know Me. Eternal life is not found in correct doctrine alone—it is found in union with Me.
Let your heart burn again when I speak. Let the Scriptures become your meeting place with Me. Do not settle for understanding My words without encountering My heart. I have come that you may have life—My life—in you.
Scriptures referenced: John 5:39–40; John 1:14; Hebrews 4:12; Hebrews 10:22; Ezekiel 36:26
🪟 Real-Life Analogy
It’s like reading a love letter but never calling the one who wrote it. You might analyze every word, admire the penmanship, even memorize its phrases—but unless you connect with the one who sent it, you miss the whole point. The letter exists to lead you to the heart behind it.
🙏🏼 Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You for giving me not only the Scriptures, but also the Spirit who makes them alive in me. I rejoice that I’m not left trying to find You in words alone—for You live in me and draw me into Your heart daily. Thank You that my heart is no longer cold and religious but alive to the presence of Christ. I delight in the Word not as an end in itself, but as the way I behold You. And as I open its pages, I trust You will always draw me closer—not just to truth, but to Yourself.