As an English as a second language speaker, I make grammatical errors when I write or speak. I make pronunciation errors for not clearly speaking the consonants. I make mistakes with the use of articles – definite and indefinite.

I have learned that the best way for me in learning a new language is to see myself as a student no matter how many years I have used the language.

Likewise, believing in Jesus looks like being a student or a disciple of Jesus who is learning the language of the gospel.

When I attended seminary, I learned about the verbal moods in the Bible – indicatives and imperatives.

Indicatives: description of who we are – the recipients of God’s grace and mercy

Imperatives: commands for how we need to live – the actionable responses to God’s grace and mercy

There is one more verbal mood that I am learning to use as I speak the gospel – Interrogatives.

“Where are you?” God asked Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden after they have disobeyed God. God asked the question to search their hearts, not their location.

“Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” God asked. Isaiah responded, “Here am I! Send me.”

“Who do you say that I am?” Jesus asked his disciples. Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

God asked questions to his people to get to their heart.

Do you ask questions to God?
Do you ask questions to yourself?
Do you ask questions to people?

When was the last time you asked a meaningful question?