On my shelf at home, I have one of the first Bible’s I ever received. It measures 3 inches by 4.5 inches and is the New Testament. On the front of the Bible is a picture of Jesus teaching on the seashore with a boat behind him. My Granny and Paw-Paw (maternal grandparents) gave it to me when I was 18-months old. Naturally, I could not read, but there were pictures I could look at to get a sense of some of the important experiences of Jesus’ life.
The Bible was a gift, not at a time of birthday or Christmas celebration. Not at a time of moving from one class to another. Not at a time of life transition. But as a gift given as part of a grandparents love for their grandson to know God’s Word.
The Holy Bible continues to be the Best-Selling book of all time with billions of copies being sold. The Bible is gifted to people during life-transitions, for celebrations of accomplishments, and at the point of salvation and new life. The Bible can be an overwhelming book, as it is daunting to consider the scope of literature being represented, while trying to figure out references, time period, and culture. Yet, we are invited to jump into the beauty of the Scripture as we open the pages to uncover the beautiful mystery of God.
Psalm 119:105 is often quoted about God’s word when the Psalmist writes, “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” The beauty of God’s Word for our lives is the ability it has to give light to our uncertainty when making decisions, and guidance for our daily lives as we walk with Jesus. God’s Word is a powerful instrument in the Holy Spirit’s hand as “it is sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Our Holy Scriptures give us guidance, while challenging us to deeper, more profound revelations that more deeply transform our lives.
As children in the United States are gathering school supplies and tools for their next step in their educational adventure, I want us to consider the supplies and tools we need as we grow in our knowledge and love of God. How are we allowing God to use the Holy Scriptures to give us guidance, growth, and challenge in our daily walk with Him? How are we invited to give God’s Word to people around us through sharing verses, the New Testament, or the whole Bible for their use?
Prayer: Thank you for our Holy Scriptures, dear Lord. I am grateful for your Word that gives me guidance, growth, and challenge for my daily life. I pray as I look deeper into your Word that I would experience you and your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.