Generally, the Scripture is given to read, listen to, memories, meditate, and apply. All these disciplines are helpful and should be diligently practiced. Nevertheless, Apostle John on Patmos was commanded to eat the scroll. (Revelation 10:8-11) A similar command was given to the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel. (Jeremiah 15:16; Ezekiel 3:1-3) Disciples of the Lord are called to eat the scroll. The Word became flesh or took the human incarnate form. And the Lord invited the disciples to eat the Bread of Life that descended from heaven. (John 1:1; 6:35) Symbolically, that is done in partaking of the Holy Communion, spiritually done by studying, meditating, and digesting the Scripture.
Medicine: Modern medicine pills are coated with sugar, but after being swallowed, they could be bitter in the stomach. Bitter medicines are essential for a cure. God’s Word is sweeter than honey, which provides delight and joy. (Psalm 19:10) But the Word seeks the shalom, welfare, progress, health, and best for the individual.
Comfort and confront: The Word of God not only comforts the broken-hearted, but also confronts the sin, selfishness, ungodliness, and unrighteousness. Like a surgeon removes the cancerous cells to bring healing, which is a bitter and painful experience, the Word of God forms, reforms, and transforms a person.
Internalize: Eat the scroll means to internalize the Scripture, to make it a part of thoughts, opinions, words, attitude, and behavior. It is not an external entity, but an internal reality. The Psalmist internalized the Bible to lead a holy life. “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11) The message changes a person to prepare him as a messenger.
Purpose: The goal of this process is to become the prophetic voice to the people who do not know God. And I was told, “You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and languages and kings.” (Revelation 8:11) The Word of God is for all humanity. No human is exempt from the privilege of listening to the Scripture.
Do I eat, digest, internalize, live out, and declare the Word?