In the wilderness of ancient Judea religious leaders are said to lead groups of young students to rich sources of treasure troves: Honey. Through thicket and brambles, they would search for the buzzing sounds. Cautiously they would approach and harvest what they needed before finding a place of shelter and safety. Then the teachers would have the students dip a finger into the deliciously sweet nectar and taste it at the same time together. Then one of the teachers would say, “The Sweetness of God’s word is sweeter than what you just tasted!” What is your favourite sweet treat?

            This story is commonly told; and whether it is fully true or not, it's a beautiful way for us to think about how we engage scripture. The goal of the teachers was to foster a relationship in the children to desire time and value of the scriptures like the students had for the sweetness of honey. Think for a second of what your favourite treat is, savoury or sweet. How much would you enjoy having that treat often? Daily? Hourly? Now, imagine what it would be like to desire scripture as such. How much do you open the word of God and experience God enriching you like the sweetness of honey, or your favourite dessert?

            Now, this is not to say that everything within God’s word is nice, palatable, or enjoyable to read. There are stories of horrific things: rape (Genesis 34:1-24); genocide (Joshua 6); and sending a man to die at the front lines so King David could take his widow (2 Samuel 11), just to name a few. And we have to wrestle with these texts. They can remind us of the brokenness of humanity. Yet, within the scriptures we also have reminders of God’s presence scattered throughout to people who feel alone and isolated (Genesis 32, 1 Kings 19). We have stories of liberation and invitation to embrace personhood beyond production (Exodus). We have stories of promised renewal and resurrection despite current circumstances (Ezekiel 37; Crucifixion and Resurrection stories of Jesus). What’s your least favourite story in the Bible? (Mine are the stories of the conquest of the Holy Land) What is your favourite? (Saul/Paul’s conversion and ministry, besides Jesus’ ministry)

            This year, I invite you to start tasting the sweetness of God’s word; the good and the bad. The good for us to find hope in; the uncomfortable parts, to challenge us and ask the question: “God, what can this teach me/us?” Try it for yourself. Have a small bit of something you enjoy then read a portion of scripture. Make the connections that will foster a greater relationship with us and God’s word. I also invite you to join others in this venture, and together journey for the sweetness of God’s word. Amen.