"Chuck" is a fictional TV character who was a simple computer nerd working at a chain store until a secret government computer program was downloaded into his brain. Suddenly he was thrust out of his so-called loser life into the role of important government spy.

How many of us have joked about putting a book under our pillow, maybe even the bible, and waking up the next morning having absorbed it via osmosis? That way we can be a scholar without having to do the hard work of constant study. Here in the real world we know that doesn't happen any more than "Chuck" received that computer program download. We learn God's word by spending long hours reading it.

After the passages instructing Israel to choose judges who follow the law is an important section directed to Israel's kings (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). God would choose him. He had to be an Israelite. He wasn't allowed to acquire horses, wives or wealth because those would draw him away from God (16-17). More importantly he was required to write out his own copy of the law, always keep it near, and read it - daily (18-19). That way he would know the law and learn to respect God. And when he learned to respect God he would keep the law and remain humble, leading to a long and prosperous reign (20).

Learning God's word by daily reading and meditation benefits everyone. It reminds us that we can't absorb it by osmosis or direct download. It trains us to be diligent in our study, creates a hunger for more, and keeps us humble. We may not be kings, and we certainly can't download the Bible into our brain all at once, but we can keep a copy, read it daily, learn to revere God and live. God’s word has the power to transform our hearts and minds (Romans 12:2).