The recent coronation of King Charles III, with all its pomp and ceremony, displayed many precious items. The crowns, the orb, the swords and spurs that were presented to Charles were probably quite priceless, certainly things of great beauty and artisanship.
Yet among it all, the most precious, and possibly the least valued in the sight of the world, was a specially printed edition of the Bible and it is this that interests me the most. Not just that particular volume, which I'm sure is very beautiful, but the words contained between it's covers. Words that were written by 40 authors on 3 different continents (Europe, Africa and Asia), over a period of 1500 to 1600 years. Words that were inspired by the Holy Spirit and watched over by God for a few more hundred years until it was brought into the Bible as we have it today.
It continues to be the world's best seller with around 100 million copies sold annually. The whole Bible has been translated into nearly 700 languages while the New Testament is in 1550 languages. It is God's word to us, his creation. The Old Testament tells the history of his dealings with his chosen people, the Jews. Many get a mental block about the Old Testament but it deserves to be studied and needs to be studied if we are to understand the New Testament properly. It is filled with history, wisdom, songs and prophecy. It is fascinating, and the more you study it the more you will want to.
All this to say that the Bible is the most precious thing in all the world, (in my humble opinion!), and probably the most neglected. It contains words of life and wisdom for living this life, it contains words of hope for everlasting life for those who choose to accept the truth of its message. It contains comfort, instruction and encouragement. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, a young pastor, "All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true, and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT.
Over hundreds of years people have given their lives for this Book; for translating it, for printing it, for preaching it and even for owning it. Even today there are thousands, maybe millions of people in our world who risk their lives to live and preach the truth of the Bible. Thousands more long to have even a part of the Bible to read. Do you value God's word as they do? Do you take time to read it, to think on it, to live by it? I pray that you will, for it contains words of life-giving value for anything you may face. I venture to say that we live in days that are becoming increasingly dark, and more difficult in so many ways, and it is not going to get better. Press into God through a commitment to reading his word to strengthen yourself for the days that lie ahead.
The Bible is available online and through many apps that you can download to phone or tablet. One that Colin and I have been particularly enjoying recently is Lectio 365. Check it out, https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/
Prayer: Father God, thank you for inspiring the writing of the Bible, thank you for the people who have given their lives and dedication to you so that we might know you through your word. I pray for those who still wait for a copy of this precious book, that you would answer their prayers. Help me to have a hunger to know more of your truth, help me to read your word in some form daily. Amen
