Paul wrote this to a group of people who had profoundly limited access to the written word. While Paul — as a Pharisee — had access to scrolls and knew how to read, many he encountered may have never seen a scroll, and could not read it if they did. Even more, the gentiles did not grow up with the repetition of scriptures like those who were Jewish. In other words, Paul was calling them to something seemingly inaccessible and unknown… and they rose to the challenge.

Imagine the intentionality required to embrace scripture when you cannot access it physically nor read it if you could! Consider how they would change their plans upon hearing someone was preaching or reading the Word; how they would hone their focus and ready their mind for retention. They knew any access to God’s Word might be sparse, so they fixed it in their hearts and minds. (Deut. 11:18)

Meanwhile, we have ample access to the Word and ability not just to read it, but find translations and concordances and teachings; yet while the Romans rose to the challenge, we often neglect the gift. God has given His Word as a readily-available resource of hope, and we will go days — weeks — without engaging it. Like the Israelites who accused God of not providing as He gave manna and quail, we assume He leaves us in hopelessness while His hope waits for us. Let us not reject His gift today.