Back in the saddle after a quick round trip to New York State last week. Had the joy of hanging with some missionaries, had the privilege of rubbing shoulders with some shepherds. I’m on the board of Village Missions and one of the “perks” afforded us is that they will make room for us to join one of their regional conferences where these servants of small churches in out of way places get away for a few days to rest, reconnect, and recharge. (If you’re unfamiliar with Village Missions, take 5 minutes and check out this video produced as part of us celebrating 75 years of ministry to rural America).

I’ve been using the CSB for my morning devo’s this year and a verse — actually, a word — I encountered in my reading is part of the reason why. Some fresh insight on a familiar passage has a way of igniting a renewed passion for some old, old truth.

Context? Luke’s just recorded Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as Jesus has set His face towards Calvary and the cup He must drink there. After what we refer to as His “Triumphal Entry” and weeping for the city that would reject Him, Jesus sets about cleaning house — His Father’s house. He disrupts the monetizing of the temple’s worship which had been sanctioned under the religious leaders’ greedy and self-serving oversight. This ticks the religious leaders off. Ya’ think? But the crowds aren’t there yet.

Every day He was teaching in the temple. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people were looking for a way to kill him, but they could not find a way to do it, because all the people were captivated by what they heard.

(Luke 19:47-48 CSB)

The religious leaders were dissuaded from killing Jesus because all the people were captivated by Jesus.

Captivated. My ESV says they “were hanging on His words.” So do most of the other translations. The NKVJ says they “were very attentive to hear Him.”

The Greek word is only used once in the New Testament and, while the other translations may be more literal (i.e. the word means “to hang upon the lips of a speaker”), the CSB is . . . well, . . . more captivating.

Actually, it’s kind of convicting. Yeah, I get that all people should be captivated by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, the Creator of the Universe and the Savior of all mankind, but, if we’re honest with ourselves, too often we’re just not. Call it being too familiar; call it being too nonchalant or too unenthusiastic; or just call it what it probably is, being too hard-hearted. Regardless of what you call it, shouldn’t the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, Second Person of the Triune God, leave us captivated? I’m thinkin’ . . .

Every time I read His words shouldn’t I hang on them as if they were my life? I should, but I don’t. But I want to. I need to. Why wouldn’t I desire with the greatest of desire to be captivated?

I can’t power my way to being captivated, but I can yield my way to it. Holy Spirit, give me ears to hear as I read Your word. Jesus, teach me even as You live in me. Word of God speak.

“. . . for your servant is listening.” (1Samuel 3:10b CSB)

Captivated by Jesus’ teaching. All of it. Always.

That’s how it should be.

Amen?

By His grace. For His glory.