Introduction to Biblical Meditation (III)
I wonder if you and I are the same in this, but when my mind first hears the word meditate I think of sitting quietly controlling my breathing and attempting to clear my mind. I envision reciting a Mantra over and over, images of monks and other so called experts come to my mind. How tragic, since these images are contradictory to what the word “meditation” truly means and was designed for. We get a glimpse of the true meaning in Websters dictionary 1828 edition which states, “To dwell on any thing in thought; to contemplate; to study; to turn or revolve any subject in the mind; appropriately but not exclusively used of pious contemplation, or a consideration of the great truths of religion. His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” The word in Hebrew is Hagah which Strongs reveals more to the source, “to murmur, to ponder imagine, mourn, roar, speak, study, talk, utter.”
What is unique about this definition? It is an action that involves two people. Webster and Strong’s both point to a characteristic that is forgotten by many. Meditation is the act of two working through the subject together. It takes two people to talk, to utter, to bring forth something in conversation. The Greeks understood this, and it is why we see that the writing of Socrates and other philosophers was a discussion. For the born again child of God, we can see the intimacy of this with studying scripture. Jesus Christ is with us, His Spirit and the Father are with us as we study. The Holy Spirit guides and orchestrates the word for us.
John 16:7, 12-15 “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you…I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear [them] now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own [authority,] but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare [it] to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare [it] to you.”
Meditation is the act of us coming together with the Lord and studying His Words, talking to Him and having Him reveal more of who He is to us. Over the next couple weeks, I want to show you how this was exemplified by those in the Word. We will also see how we can, as fellow believers, meditate togther. God believes in fellowship and has orchestrated the most sacred aspects of learning more about Him in this manner. It is why meditation is so unique when used accurately. So let us shed the preconceptions of meditation and what the world says we should do, and let us go back to the source and see what God’s Word says.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL