Devotion: Holy Curiosity
In 1974, a Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture named Erno Rubik came up with a workable 3-D puzzle calling it “The Rubik’s Cube” and seeing his path, patented his invention, and by 1980, the world was caught up in its magic. Children and adults of all ages were doing anything they could do to get their hands on it and assuage their curiosity. Myself, I tried and gave up quickly to master this puzzle. My curiosity was tempted but alas I was not curious enough to stay at it.
What about you? Has there ever been something in your life that you were so curious about, something you just needed to find more about it? Scientists who lose sleep over research they are doing on a particular theory or results, that bear “digging deeper”. Archaeologists who literally do, want to “dig deeper” to find the cause or more about an animal or piece of historical evidence. You’ll even find that on a preschool playground, or in mommy’s make-up purse to see that kind of curiosity. The “need” to find out more.
The desire to not be satisfied with basic information. The hunger to “dig deeper” until the hunger is satisfied. Proverbs 2:1-5 tells us; My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom, and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight, and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver, and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. This portion of this week’s scripture spoke volumes to me. Accepting His words in my heart. Storing those words inside me. Turning an ear to wisdom and applying His words to the curiosity of our souls is to say, “apply your heart to understanding” or to be “caught up” with the desire to learn.
Pastor Michelle’s message spoke of “Holy Curiosity”. Wow, what a term! I finally have a name for my predicament. And it sounded like Nicodemus had the same malady. His position in the Jewish community was such that he wouldn’t have dared be openly curious about this Jesus, especially during the day and with other ears testifying to what his heart was “hungry” for. So curious was he, that he sought Jesus out at night! Came to Him desperate to learn more. Jesus saw this hunger and of course had compassion on Nicodemus. Jesus saw Nicodemus’ relationship with God in the process of change. Michelle said the more we explore our relationship with God, the more our relationship changes with Him, and the more that compassion grows, the more we begin to see that “desire” to learn in others. Any confirmation student and teacher can attest to this. We become more and more aware of God’s grace and our need for it.
I challenge you to find a passage, a story, a conversation of scripture that insights and perks your curiosity. Why is this passage in scripture? Why here in this place? How did it affect others who heard it? Seek God’s understanding of it, and if need be, commit it to your heart. Let it rest there deep within you and feel that sense of calm He replaces it with. His desire to bring you closer to Him.
Dearest Abba Father; I am hungry for this kind of relationship with you. Open my heart and enter in Lord. Help me to sense this desire in others and be willing to take the time to show the same compassion you show me. Let Christ be seen in me now, today! Amen.
Written by Fran Baatz
Proverbs 2:1-5
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom, and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight, and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver, and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
Fran is happily married with two daughters, and now four grandchildren and one great-grand daughter! She was an army brat growing up (which means she moved a bit) and her parents (Francis and Orpha Jimenez) were charter members of Sheridan Lutheran Church. She was also the first girl baptized in the church in 1953, so she has been at Sheridan a long time.