July 6, 2021 -- Acts 17:10-12 -- Jesus nerds!

Much loved children of God, by the Spirit's power: sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.
Acts 17:10-12 ESV

Yesterday I was at the shop and the salesman was tugging on his shirt to cover his tattoo. I asked him about it. He broke into a smile and noted that he had characters from Star Wars on his wrist all the way up to his shoulder. He smiled and noted since his youth he has been a Star Wars nerd. The tattoos, well, these are the “misunderstood” characters, like Darth Maul. Hmm. Okay, as we chatted further, I learned he grew up as a Christian. I wondered, do you spend the same amount of time and give such intensity to the study of the Bible? His mumbled reply made it clear he did not. I invited him to come to church with me this coming Sunday. We will see if he does.

Christian friends post on social media they are going to review all the Harry Potter books this summer—for the however-manyeth-time. Hmm. H.P. nerds.

The noble Bereans heard Paul and Silas preach. When they heard the Gospel message, they examined the Old Testament, compared the prophesies of the Messiah to the word spoken about Jesus and His life. Many of them believed because of this intense study and as a result of their eagerness to know. Perhaps the Word is not powerful and engaging and fresh for so many drifting Christians because they do not investigate, study, ask questions and dig to find out. Fantasy novels and fictional characters fill their brains and the clutter the corners of their lives to the extent that belief in Jesus gets buried.

Yesterday I spoke with a man who encountered Jesus this past Friday. I knew him before he knew Jesus. He would politely listen to “stories” (as he called them) about Jesus. Then he would go back to his exercise routines and exhaust himself in his passion for fitness. On Friday, at a gathering of believers which my friend attended, he realized the Bible Person of Jesus is a real, flesh and blood man. He is personal, He is greater than any other experience that life offers. Now my friend, still interested in fitness, speaks with eyes alight about the power of Jesus and blessing of knowing Him. He has Bible passages he wants to find and study. Those who suggest other passages to read spark in him new areas of interest and anticipation about what he’ll learn.

Dear reader, if you got this far in today’s devotional, I encourage you, no, I challenge you, to study your Bible this summer. Find out answers to questions that bother you. Dig deep to learn more. Pray—urgently and constantly—asking God to stir His Spirit within you so that Jesus will be greater, more radiant, more charismatic to you than any fictional character. I challenge you, proudly be a Jesus-nerd.

Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
    his praise in the assembly of the godly!
2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
    let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!
3 Let them praise his name with dancing,
    making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
4 For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.
5 Let the godly exult in glory;
    let them sing for joy on their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats
    and two-edged swords in their hands,
7 to execute vengeance on the nations
    and punishments on the peoples,
8 to bind their kings with chains
    and their nobles with fetters of iron,
9 to execute on them the judgment written!
    This is honor for all his godly ones.
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 149 ESV

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