In Acts 17:11, Luke, by the inspiration of the Spirit, compares the Jews who heard the Word in one city to those who heard the Word in another city. He wrote that those in Berea “...were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Those in Thessalonica had a different response to the same message of the Gospel, compared to those in Berea, whom the Spirit describes as “more noble.”

 

Do you know what it is for the Spirit of God to tell us that certain people were nobler than others? What was the distinguishing factor? The answer lies in the same verse 11: “...They received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Those in Berea searched the scriptures; they studied to be sure that what they had been taught was really what the Word says. They received the Word with all readiness of mind. That means they prepared their hearts to receive the Word.

 

There’re people who go to church all around the world, without preparing their minds to receive the Word of God. Don’t be that way. It’s important to prepare your heart to seek the Lord (2 Chronicles 12:14, 2 Chronicles 30:19). Become voracious for the Word; let your heart go out for the Word. Let nothing distract you from receiving the Word. Those in Thessalonica received the Word with arguments; they argued in their minds against the Word; they weren’t ready for the Word.

 

Throughout the coming year, as you carefully study the Rhapsody of Realities devotional, and follow either the one-year or two-year Bible reading plan, receive all that the Lord has for you with readiness of mind. If you’d give the Word the right attention, you’d be amazed what God will do in your life, the revelations He’ll bring into your spirit to catapult you to higher realms of glory.