The Word (10/10/04)

The Bible can be a big hang-up for unbelievers. They have trouble with the Christian notion that it is the actual word of God. If I can correctly recall my own skepticism prior to being saved, I felt that the bible was some crackpot man-made collection of self-serving fairy tales. The odd thing was that this feeling was very strong - and I had never even read the bible!! Now that I've read the bible and accepted Christ as my savior, I am starting to understand the magnitude of the miracle the bible is. This Wednesday as we fast and pray, we will reflect on this miracle and thank God for passing it on to us.

First, you have all probably heard the stats - 66 books written in 3 different languages over a period of 1500 years by 40+ authors. Yet the overall message is consistent throughout. The whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts. Only God could orchestrate such a thing.

Second, given the above, reflect on all the prophecy documented in the bible and the subsequent fulfillment of that prophecy. Again, only God could orchestrate such a thing.

Third, think about the timelessness of the word. It's as relevant today as it was in the 1st century and will continue to be into the future. Once again, truly a miracle.

Last, and perhaps most compelling, is the power the word has to change lives. You are probably a living example. I heard a sermon this past week in which the pastor was talking about how the word comforts the afflicted. Then he really caught my attention by stating the converse. He said "But equally important, think about how the word afflicts the comforted". Surely you've had convicting moments while reading the bible. Further, have you ever been reading a passage in the bible that you've read dozens of times before when suddenly, you comprehend in a way that takes you deeper than you've been before? You get a new clarity that you know came from God. A new clarity that only reaffirms and strengthens your faith in the divine inspiration of the word.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob