Illuminated by His Word

Click Here for Today's Reading:Gen 28–30 | Prov 4:20–27 | Luke 10

Scripture: “Your offspring will be like the dust of the earth… and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” — Genesis 28:14

I was recently reading a book that listed several Old English words that have shifted in meaning over time. One of those old words appears in the King James Bible. I had read it countless times, but when I learned its true meaning, something clicked. What I had always assumed it meant was suddenly replaced by what God had actually said. And in that moment, the verse became personal—alive.

Jacob experienced something similar. He had heard stories of God’s covenant his whole life. He knew the promises passed down through Abraham and Isaac. But in Genesis 28, Jacob didn’t just hear about God—he heard from God. The promise he had always known in theory now became his in truth. It wasn’t new information, but it was newly illuminated. God took what Jacob had heard a thousand times and made it real.

God often does the same for us. Through a hymn, a sermon, a verse we’ve read for years, the Holy Spirit suddenly opens our eyes. The words we have known become the words we receive. Truth becomes personal, and Scripture becomes the living voice of God speaking into our own story.

Reflection: Think of a verse, promise, or truth you’ve heard many times. Ask God today to make it fresh—to illuminate His Word so that it becomes personal and alive in your heart.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for speaking through Your Word. Open my eyes to see what I’ve missed, and make Your truth real in my life. Let the familiar become fresh as Your Spirit illuminates my heart.