Without meditation the truths which we know will never affect our hearts… As a hammer drives a nail to the head, so mediation drives a truth to the heart… Read before you meditate. “Give attendance to readings” (1 Tim. 4:13). Then it follows, “meditate upon these things” (vs. 15). Reading doth furnish with matter; it is the oil that feeds the lamp of meditation. Be sure your mediations are founded upon Scripture. Reading without meditation is unfruitful; meditation without reading is dangerous.
— Thomas Watson (1620–1686), Puritanischer Prediger
Related Bible passage: 1TI.4.13
Topics: The Bible & the Word of God, Prayer & Silence, Growth & Character
Occasions: For Reflection
Thomas Watson
Thomas Watson war ein englischer puritanischer Geistlicher des 17. Jahrhunderts, der in London wirkte und nach dem Erlass der Uniformitätsakte von 1662 als Nonkonformist predigte. Er steht für eine praxisorientierte reformierte Theologie, die er in bildhafter Sprache und pastoralen Schriften zu Themen wie Buße und Katechismuslehre entfaltete. Heutigen Bibellesern bietet sein Werk pointierte, alltagsnahe Auslegungen zur christlichen Lebensführung und zum Trost in Anfechtungen.
All quotes by Thomas Watson (114)
[The Bible is] shallow enough for a child not to drown, yet deep enough for an elephant to swim.
Augustine of Hippo
A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.
Unknown
The Bible in the pulpit must never supersede the Bible at home.
John Charles Ryle
The Bible is almost bursting with good news for bad people.
Corrie ten Boom
Martin Luther
The Bible is the cradle wherein Christ is laid.
Martin Luther
Martin Luther
Jesus was not a theologian. He was God who told stories.
Madeleine L'Engle