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“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” 1 Peter 2:2 KJV

One of a baby’s basic instinct is survival. To ensure their survival, they come into the world with the ability to cry. With this rather effective skill, a human baby is able to signal what he/she desires – care and attention and of course food. Babies’ desire milk (or to be fed) without question. Whether a baby is breastfed, or bottle fed, a mother knows that when her baby desires milk, only one thing will eventually satisfy that craving; and with the consumption of milk, comes growth. If we desire the Word like babies’ desire milk, we will grow.

Babies who go off feeding are a source of serious concern to their parents. Most likely, such babies will be taken to a doctor to determine the cause of this anomaly. It’s not right if a baby shows no appetite for milk. In the same vein, we are now new creatures in Christ (Gal 5: 7) and are likened to new babies. We are to desire (ask and it shall be given unto you) the sincere milk of the word. God who has promised to give us more than we desire, has declared that if we want to grow, we need to desire His word with the single-mindedness of a baby.

Jesus said those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled. Thirst and hunger are strong desires.  We need to examine ourselves often. Do I hunger for the Word? Have I a strong desire for the Word? What are the things interfering with my desire or appetite? Unconfessed sin, disobedience, busyness, concern over many things?

Jesus said to one sister – “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42 NASB).

A few days before Passover, Jesus had come to Bethany and a dinner is held in honour of Jesus and we find Martha serving (John 12:1-2). Martha liked to serve people, perhaps that was her love language – we don’t know. Like Martha, our concerns may centre on the things that are helpful and that we like to do, however if they ultimately get in the way of our hearing from Him or desiring His Word, then our appetite may be at risk!

May I leave you with some prayer points and thoughts as we reflect on growing our desire for The Word of God;

• Father help me desire your Word.
• Help me identify anything (or anyone) interfering with my desire for your Word and cause me to choose the good part – your word over every such thing.
• Father help me to invest in intimacy with you. A breastfed baby cannot be fed by a mother at arm’s length. The mother holds the baby close to her heart to feed the baby. There is much wisdom to be had from staying close to you to eat.
• You have promised growth as a result of the desire for your Word. Alongside that desire, you expect us to be doers of the word as well. Father help me to see growth in every area of my life, especially as direct result obeying of your Word. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Thanks for reading!

Emi x