On Devotionals

I’ve never been much on devotionals.

In fact, I don’t think I have ever read one.

I suppose that means everything that follows is spoken out of ignorance.

However, since I have never considered my ignorance a sufficient reason not to blog, I will continue.

I’ve always considered reading a devotional like watching someone else eat and then describing the food to me. I didn’t see the point. Why not just eat?

Stated in relational terms: It is better to relate directly with Jesus through the Word than to have someone else describe their experience with Jesus through a devotional.

Then this morning I came across the following in Luther’s Table Talk. Luther was speaking about reading the Word rather than secondary sources::

“It is always better to see with one’s own eyes than those of other people.”

So here I stand with Luther. I can do no other. So help me God. I think he got it right.

Devotionals can inspire one to get back in the Word after a dry spell. Devotionals can offer insight into what it means to follow Jesus. But if you are reading a devotional instead of the Word, or more than the Word, put it down and pick up the Bible.

Devotionals should be a supplement to and never a substitute for the Word. GS

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