Words matter. Even the little ones, like Dolch words. I saw a word the other day that got me thinking. It was a Dolch word, the type of word that used to fly by when I read, back in the day when I used to be able to do that. Now nothing flies by when I’m reading. I read one word at a time, which is an interesting way to read, and it gives me time to think about words. Words like “must”.
I read this word as I read my Bible. Jesus was talking about what was going to happen, his suffering and his death. This was what I was reading:
“The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law and that he must be killed”. Mark 8.31.
And I began thinking about the word “must.” Jesus must do this. He could have used a different word, something like could, or ought to, or can, but he used must. It is a powerful word, there is some urgency to it, there is no other way, you must.
I pondered that. Thinking about what Jesus had done. What he knew he must do. What he came to do. And I breathed a prayer of gratitude for what he had done. Thinking about the word “must”. I like the insight it gives, reading words instead of sentences, and I am glad that word didn’t fly by, but linger in my mind for a spell. I think that God wanted me to think about that word. In fact, I am sure of it. Let me tell you why I think that.
So after pondering that for a few minutes, I started to read again. And there it was, the same word three verses later. “Must”. And I realized what God was doing. He was telling me what I must do. I realized what Jesus did for me, and I was grateful. But what he wanted me to grasp was what I must do. Here it is,
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Mark 8.34.
Wow! Now I wish that word had kept on flying by, but instead it has lingered on. Yeah, I think that God wanted me to think about that word. It is a powerful word, there is some urgency to it, there is no other way. It is what I need to do. That is what I must do. I must take up my cross and follow Jesus.
I have a list of 220 Dolch words. And I am looking forward to seeing what insights might come, by reading those little words. One word at a time.
Such great insight that God has given you. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Karl for encouraging me in my faith. I love how one word like “must” has huge implications and challenges us. God is using you Karl to bless others. Craig
Thank you for your comments. Your encouragement means a lot to me.