COMA: Observation
BY Lois Grandmaison
When you look up observation in the Oxford Dictionary it has a two part meaning. One that is an internal experience and the other that is an outward expression. Let’s take a quick look at the two definitions below:
ob·ser·va·tion /ˌäbzərˈvāSH(ə)n/
the action or process of observing something or someone carefully in order to gain information or understanding.
Synonyms: To consider, study, survey, view, watch, examine and monitor.
a remark, statement, or comment based on something one has seen, heard, or noticed.
Synonyms: a statement, remark, pronouncement, declare.
Looking through the lens of faith as a Christian this definition shows how God does an internal work in someone by giving them understanding of Christ and His Word through His Holy Spirit. This knowledge then leads to an outward expression of faith in how one speaks or lives because of the belief understood by observing the Word of God.
The Presence of God: An overarching theme of what observation leads to in understanding the things of God is not just knowledge and wisdom of what we see in the passage. The bible is the Living Word of God, because of that we also get God’s presence as we read and study His Word. Here are some verses from scripture that show how through His Word we get to encounter, dwell and be in the presence of the One True Living God:
Hebrews 4:12-13
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
Romans 10:17
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
Colossians 3:16
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Psalm 119:18
“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”
After we soak in the gift of observing God’s word and the council we get in His presence, there are some basic tools or questions we can ask of ourselves as we go deeper in scripture. Here are three key words to help you as you explore the Word:
The Punch:
What jumps out at you or grabs your attention first? What are key details of the text? What is the definition of certain words to add to the punch? Is anything surprising in the passage?
The Pattern:
Do you see a repetition of words? Is there a list of things or flow and what is the connection of their order? Are there connecting words or ideas like (therefore, for, but or because). You can do lots of circling, underlining, squiggles, triangles, notes, arrows in the text to help bring up to the top the main themes and repetition.
The Purpose:
Are there important people mentioned in the passage? Who and to what end? What is the main point or theme? Is something compared or contrasted to drive home the point?
A Prayer For Us All:
Father, just as we have received Christ Jesus, may we walk in Christ, rooted and built up in Him and established in the gospel faith, abounding in thanksgiving and observing your work in us by the power of the Holy Spirit and Christ’s cross. I pray we would dwell purposefully, look intently and observe deeply your ways, O Lord. May we then be people who proclaim, may we then be people who declare verbally the sweet internal observation of the gospel hope to our families, in our friendships, to our communities and to the world. I pray we would experience, by your Word and Holy Spirit, the treasures and wisdom and knowledge revealed in Christ that results in your steadfast presence and hope for our souls. In Jesus Name, Amen.