I am venturing to learn a new language as an expat staying in Europe. I have private online lessons twice a week from an excellent teacher. The language structure is very different from English and very difficult, but I am learning. I am not speaking much (yet), but reading and understanding the language more each day.
I was an ESOL teacher before I retired, and I remember how my students struggled to learn English. Some were ambitious and learned quicker than others, and some were slower and shy and learned at a slower pace. I am the student who is shy about speaking, and I have a hard time remembering vocabulary. But, again, I am making improvements and enjoying my learning sessions. I enjoy when I have opportunities to practice with others, or when we are sitting in a coffee bar and I understand what others are saying. G-D gets for glory for helping me to learn!
This past weekend, my husband’s family came over and I was able to practice speaking a little more saying one to three words I know in response to various conversations. I could also understand more of the context of each conversation between family and friends. This is huge for me, because when I first moved here the sound of the words strung along quickly like one long word! I could not hear the break between words! Now, even if I do not know what the word means, I can hear the break between words and grasp the vocabulary I know.
So, it is with our relationship with Yeshua. We ought to be reading, studying, praying in order to grow closer to G-D, but we should also be speaking about Him to others as divine appointments present themselves.
Oftentimes, we are afraid to speak about Yeshua (Jesus) in certain situations because of backlash, but this should not be. Just like learning a new language, I can only say a few words at a time (for now), so it can be with speaking about our Savior in certain situations. However, we must study and develop a relationship with the Father, so the Spirit of G-D can nudge us when and what to say to others as we navigate life.
Yet, Biblical language is more than reciting Scripture or speaking about Yeshua. Biblical language oozes from the core of our being and is heard in our actions and the way we speak when we aren’t quoting a biblical verse or text. Biblical language is who we are when we are grounded and growing in Messiah. It is our prayer language, it defines our character, it guides and draws us into a more intimate relationship with G-D. It is our strength, comfort and hope, because ultimately Biblical language is the Word…the Word of G-D, Yeshua the Messiah and King. (John 1:1 CJB) And, once we become fluent in His language our life should reflect Him each day.
My point, walking with Yeshua is an endeavor to learn His language, so that our living will reflect who He is. He is our heart posture or at least should be if we are a follower. And like learning a new foreign language, it is a step by step process… nouns versus verbs, versus adjectives, versus adverbs, versus prepositions, versus metaphors, etc. Therefore, we must learn what is pleasing to Our Creator step by step and respond accordingly. As we know living for Messiah doesn’t always mean easy peasy, but it does mean joy and contentment in Him regardless of our current situations. We know the work G-D requires…to trust in the One He sent! (John 6:29 CJB) And if we trust, we love and obey.
May we endeavor to learn and live within the Biblical language of our Messiah and share His love and salvation with others.
Musings from my heart,
Dee