This week at The Ascent, Pastor Andrew spoke on the importance of scripture in our lives. The main text was Luke 24:13-31 in which the resurrected Christ explained scripture to some of the disciples. In this passage, we see how critical the understanding of scripture is in our lives; so much so, that the disciples were kept from recognizing who Jesus while He was explaining the scriptures.

Why were they kept from recognizing Him? The disciples were talking to man who they knew died three days prior. If they had known who it was, could you imagine the emotion that would be racing through them? The excitement, awe, wonder, curiosity, and joy. It would not have been an environment conducive to listening to a dissertation on Old Testament teachings and prophecies. Imagine you see someone that you knew had died. Would you want to listen to a lecture, or rejoice? Scripture is so important that God hid His Son's identity from the disciples so that He could effectively explain it to them.

Pastor Andrew issued a challenge to The Ascent this week. As a community of believers, we will be memorizing The Ascent's theme verse:

Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.

Psalm 24:3-4

The Word of God is living and active and is an incredible gift to us. What will you do with it this week?