Welcome to Day 22 of my 31 Days Writing Challenge. I desired to read the book of Sirach and blog about my meditations for the month of October. Today, let’s consider a few words from the introduction. *Update–see that pretty picture below? That is the Sirach Bible Study and Journal available on Amazon! It has scripture prompts, saints quotes, reflections and plenty of room to journal. Click the picture to learn more.
The Book of Sirach
The book of Sirach has 51 chapters. If you wanted to start a book club reading a particular book of the Bible, Sirach would be a good one. There is one chapter per week with a week of wiggle room. And, the book of Sirach is so vast, it covers almost any topic you think of: our thoughts, our words, marriage, friendship, parenting, homemaking, loaning money, death…You could very easily send out the call, “It’s book club time!” and not get bored week after week working your way through Sirach.
Hebrews 4:12 states, “…the Word of God is living and active…” in some translations, it reads, “…living and effectual…” So in the beginning of Sirach, in the introduction, when the author counsels to read with good will and attention, he knows that reading the words found in Sirach can be life changing; they can have a profound effect in and on our lives. A biblical commentator writes, “The Holy Scriptures are the word of God. When God sets it home by his Spirit, it convinces powerfully, converts powerfully, and comforts powerfully.”
That’s exactly what the book of Sirach can do, “Convince…Convert…Comfort.” Consider getting a few friends together and studying the book of Sirach on a weekly basis. You may not have the time or resources to physically get together, but you and one friend could call each other after the kids are in bed. Or a small group of you could email, Skype or support each other via social media on the internet. Don’t let your book club time be put off due to logistics.
For even more about the awesome Book of Sirach, click here!
Michelle says
“Convince…Convert…Comfort.” I really love that. Wonderful post today and every day of your 31 so far. Wow, you must be exhausted! So proud of you Jenny.
Jenny says
I’m starting to get a little tired, but that’s just a part of life sometimes. I am so glad I chose to read the book of Sirach. I especially needed that extra accountability to stay in the Word.