Crave the Milk

1 Peter 2:2–3 (ESV) Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Every parent on Earth knows what happens when a baby is delayed in getting the milk of its mothers breast or the bottle.  It is an understatement to say this is not passive experience for those involved.  Hungry babies tend to make their desires known and heard... very well.

It is for this reason that new parents often do not get much sleep.  There can be no long break between feedings.  The desire it again almost as soon as they have finished it off.  And this is what Peter exhorts the newborn Christians to do without apology.  LONG FOR THE WORD...  Because the same word that brought you to Christ is now the Word that will nourish you in Christ.

How often I have heard this testimony before from a newborn Christian.  You cannot get enough of God's Word.  Nothing less than the Truth from His mouth will do.

First, notice the word "pure".  It is not like the watered down product that was common in the ancient world.  This was 100% pure from the mouth of God. So often Christians get fed enough watered down product they think they are getting nourished.  Then when trouble begins, they realize they were given something less than they needed.  

In America, this is predominantly true, because of the lack of persecution we can get by on half-truths and quasi instruction that helps us feel better about ourselves but doesn't actually produce inner life change.

Second, notice the word "spiritual" in describing the milk.  That's how you long for it, because it has become more than words on a page to you.  It has become more than just a good story to you.  You are in it and you experience it.  The Word of God IS the Spiritual experience we long for in life.  

This is how we grow up into our salvation.

PRAYER:

Father, may we crave your word as an infant craves the nourishment of milk.  Give me a fresh insight into your word for myself that I may hear it anew and love you deeper through the revelation on its pages.  AMEN.