A Spirit of Enquiry

Every time I read the Bible or a verse from, it creates an imagery which conjures up questions. For example, I have read the story of David and Goliath dozens of times. But when I did the last time, it suddenly struck me that how did David become an expert slings man? On researching it, turns out that most shepherds of that time were excellent with the sling shot, kept practicing all the time, basically to be able to drive wild animals to protect the herd. Most armies of the day had a contingent of slings men as well. 

The sling shot was an ancient version of today's guns, and the stone or ball was as deadly as the modern-day bullet. In the hands of an expert (like a herdsman) the shot could pierce the Armour or helmet of the opponent. Flying close to about 200 kilometers per hour, making them comparable in power to a modern .44 Magnum handgun in the right hands. As a herdsman, David had plenty of time for target practice, to polish this survival skill. This fact made me realize that David was being prepared for the day he would face Goliath, as a start point to the process of attaining kingship. That miracle did not happen by magic but by being worked out by God.

The point is, when one reads a verse or a chapter, it would be pertinent to ask yourself four questions - where, why, what and how. What happened, where did it happen, why it happened and finally the how it happened. I have found that the answers create a deeper understanding of what is read and a deeper knowledge of God, the author.

This method constitutes the spirit of enquiry or a spirit of curiosity - a thirst to know more and understand the truth. It makes faith and trust stronger than what it would have been on simple reading and shallow believing. A deeper understanding creates a deeper relationship which in turn creates faith and trust.

An interesting way to start this habit may be to ask yourself - when did Jesus come to know that He was the son of God? Did He volunteer to become the sacrifice or was He commanded? The answer will not only surprise you but also point to the depth of obedience Jesus demonstrated to God, our Father and the depth of His sacrifice.