Our exams were close by. Some exam topics were difficult to go over all alone. They required greater understanding to be simplified and memorized. So, my friend and I decided to study those topics together. Much to our amazement, we achieved more by studying together than we thought we would. Couple years later, we came together to study some more topics, but this time it was from the Holy Bible. Both of us were seeking help and direction from the Holy Spirit in our own lives. And we decided to set aside a definite time for Bible reading and meditation.

We consider public reading of the scriptures to be an ancient practice. But take a look at the verses highlighted below from the New Testament.

The top reason to do public reading of scriptures is to forge a stronger community which is one through faith in Jesus Christ. And God is a community builder. God built the nation of Israel through the twelve sons of Jacob, all of them had the same root, Jacob. Today, the Church of Jesus Christ is inter denominational and a multi cultural community. In the natural realm, we have many differences. Still, in the supernatural realm, Jesus Christ is our shared foundation. 1 Cor 3:11 declares that Jesus Christ is the only foundation for life and faith. This foundation is already laid. It emphasizes that no other base or foundation can be used calling believers to carefully build their lives upon Him.

Secondly, when we collectively read the scripture, it initiates a mass spiritual awakening which concerns a particular commandment or instruction written in the scripture. In a way, the public reading of the scriptures has the potential to start spiritual reforms. It can take them to the desired end. Say, for example King Josiah’s Reformation (2 Kings 23:1–3): After the “Book of the Law” was rediscovered in the temple, King Josiah gathered all the people, from the greatest to the least. He then read it in their hearing. This public reading sparked a massive national revival and a return to the covenant.

The third reason concerns the servant of God and the Church leaders instituted by the Holy Spirit. It is one of the primary responsibilities of the Church to continually uphold the word of God in every gathering. Because the word of God says, that people perish because of lack of knowledge. Not human thoughts or worldly wisdom, but the word of God delivers. The wisdom of the scriptures is to be richly shared and proclaimed. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God”. Col 3:16.

Hope you enjoyed my blog, You are welcome to add your thoughts on the topic in the comment section below. I look ahead to reading them. Blessings!