That Ye May Grow Thereby

Peter exhorted the brethren in I Peter 2:2: “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” Newborn babies want to grow; it is their nature. In fact, they let their mothers know on schedule when they are ready to eat. Not only does their mother’s milk satisfy them, it also calms them. Mostly, it grows them. Without that regular, designed nutrition, well, we know what happens.

Peter applies the analogy to us. Regardless of how long you have been saved, the desire for the nourishing milk of the Word of God is to remain. The verb desire has the idea of yearning for something, as though recognizing the need and knowing how satisfying the fulfillment is. It is also a command.

Do you think like that about the Bible—that you yearn to read it because you know how much you need it and how satisfying and helpful it is when you do? The Lord will bring out thoughts to you as you read His Word. He will cause verses to stand out, help you make connections with other Scriptures, comfort you, reassure you, teach you, convict you, guide you. He will show Himself to you and make His will plain for you.

As you read and receive His Word, you will grow spiritually by it. Spiritual grow takes place in your life because you desire the Word of God—“desire…that ye may grow thereby.”