The Bible. To the unfamiliar it is a dusty old book, it is written in a language of thee and thou that is hard to understand. To those that were raised in church and had a bad experience with unrepentant people who should not have been in leadership positions the Bible might be familiar, but not understood. Maybe it is only an acquaintance, but not something absorbed. Worse still maybe it is viewed just as a collection of fairy tells and parables, but of no real value in the world of technology and science. Maybe for some of you, Lord be merciful, it is a book that you hate and want nothing to do with. Perception is a type of reality for those of you that identify with the above descriptions. If that is your reality then I have a request. In fact I would plead with you to give the Bible a chance. I beg of you see what God’s Word says for itself, not what others have said about it. Eternity is at stake if what the Bible wants to communicate is true. In short the Bible is an awesome, mind blowing, love letter from the Creator of the universe to the crown of His creation you and me.
The Bible is not a single book. The mainline protestant Bible is a collection of 66 books that were written over a period of 2,000 years. Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek are the languages that make up the 66 books. Even more interestingly there are 40 authors who wrote from three different continents. Considering the diversity in people, geography, and the time spans it is even more amazing that the Bible is a consistent narrative from the Creation in Genesis, to the end of times in Revelations to make it seem as if it is a single book. There is nothing like the Bible anywhere else on Earth. It is a unique work that has been translated into over 2,000 languages and has been printed more than any other book in history. This book claims to be the Words of God the Creator and it is a knowledge base that deserves first hand attention from each individual.
None of the above facts are a surprise to me knowing that the same God capable of creating the universe is also capable of creating a masterpiece of communication to his children so that we can know who he is, what we have done to His Creation, and what He has done to restore us to Himself.
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Psalms 119:9-16 ESV
This Psalmist sings about the excitement he has for the Words of God and the desire he has to memorize, meditate, and live life according to what he finds there. Is it possible to love the words of a book so much? Is the Creator God so spectacular that life can be found within the pages of what this God has plainly communicated? I can only ask, and plead that you see for yourself.
God’s Word is better than a diamond, better than a diamond set between emeralds. You’ll like it better than strawberries in spring, better than red, ripe strawberries. Psalm 19:10 MSG
In Psalm 19 the author communicates how valuable and how desirable the Bible is to those that spend time exploring its depths. It is better than a diamond set between emeralds, meaning that the Word of God is more valuable than stacks of cash and even more beautiful than the most stunning jewelry. The author goes even further when he tells us that God’s Word is sweeter and more nourishing than even the most perfect fruit we could lay eyes on. When one goes to look at the original Hebrew for the translation “God’s Word is better” we find a Hebrew word that is used to communicate “Desire” in the most raw and personal way. What is it that you desire most in life? Money, Sex, Relationships, Treasure, Power, or Fame? Whatever you desire the Psalmist is saying that God’s Word is better, God’s Word is more fulfilling, and that God’s Word is more than all you could ever want. This song writer is saying that he would give up wealth, fame, luxury for the words of God. Will you take time to see what this book has to say? Could it really be that awesome? Would you set your preconceptions aside to read it for yourself?
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8 ESV
If there was something that God did not know, or if there was something that God needed to learn then He would no longer be God. As Creator of everything including the laws of nature God is Awesome. Everything he tells us is Awesome. He has perfect wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. His knowledge of human nature is perfect, and His knowledge of you, my friend, is perfect. Seek him out for wisdom. Read his word, the Bible, for understanding. Trust me you will be amazed at the content and depth of His Words.
Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven! Hebrews 12:25 NLT
In the narrative of the Bible, God’s Words, He tells us that men and women from the beginning have been in rebellion refusing to listen, or be involved with God. We have broken His laws and have lied, stolen from, and killed our brothers and sisters. Our very nature wants to run and hide from the Bible, because it is God’s Word. Jesus, who is God in the flesh, has told us that he came to earth to seek and save the lost. I am the lost and in need of saving. Jesus is my salvation and it is his words that have been communicated in this collection of 66 books, written over a period of 2,000 years. The Author of Hebrews warns us to not reject these words from Heaven, from Jesus, who is God the Creator. The Bible is Awesome, because its author is awesome. Please take some time to see what God himself wants to say to you.
