INTRODUCTION

On the sabbath day, the Lord Jesus stood to read the scriptures. This was a common practice in New Testament times as the Jews would read the scriptures every sabbath day (Acts 13:27For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
See All...; Acts 15:21For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
See All...). Publick scripture reading was not uncommon and appears to have also been a practice of the Israelites in the Old Testament (Exodus 24:7And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.
See All...; Deuteronomy 31:11When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing.
See All...; 2 Kings 23:2And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD.
See All...; Nehemiah 8:3And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
See All...). The Bible also records that publick reading was common in the early church. Unlike today, believers did not own personal copies of the scriptures. Believers learned the scripture from publick reading (1 Thessalonians 5:27I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
See All...; 1 Timothy 4:13Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
See All...). Even now, believers should make an effort to publickly read the scriptures.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Have you ever practiced a Bible verse or sang a scripture song to your mom or whomever you were with while waiting in the doctor’s office, on the playground, or waiting in line at a store? The Lord may have someone there who needs to hear His word and your glorifying Him. You could also do this over the phone for a relative or friend.
• (For everyone): Why is it important that believers publickly read scripture? What are some of the benefits that can be enjoyed by reading the Bible together as a family or congregation?
• How could believers find opportunities to publickly read the scriptures within their cities or towns? How could this work in the hearts of those who would never enter a church service?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to give you opportunities to read the Bible in publick.
• Ask the Lord to show you the benefits of publick Bible reading.

HYMN

A GLORY GILDS THE SACRED PAGE

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