“Americans revere the Bible – but, by and large, they don’t read it. And because they don’t read it, they have become a nation of biblical illiterates” (George Gallup and Jim Castelli). The greatest need in Christendom around the world today is biblical literacy. Scripture provides every command, teaching, lesson, and principle we may need for living life and serving Christ. Yet, less than 50% of American adults can name the four Gospels and only 40% can name more than five of the Ten Commandments. We call the Word of God, the Bible and in addition, we could sub-title it a guidebook to life; a map for our spiritual journey; principles to live by; directions for difficult times; comfort in pain, etc. God hasn’t provided us with a boring laundry list of rules. Instead, the Holy Spirit inspired men who composed God’s Word in multiple settings and genres of literature—stories, poems, history, prophecy, parables, allegory, letters, and commands. Language experts have translated the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts into easy to read English plus 1442 languages around the world. Despite the fact that the Bible is, the most owned book in the world with an average of 4.4 Bibles in every American household, God’s charge through Hosea is still the reality, My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6).
Satan has cast doubt on God’s Word since the Garden of Eden. Yet, never in my lifetime or in the church history that I have read has there been such an all-out assault on the Bible as we are witnessing today. Scientist cast doubt. Political correctness brings doubt. Hollywood produces so-called documentaries questioning Biblical accuracy, and people wanting to live in sin cast doubt seeking to reinterpret scripture. Liberals have even called for the rewriting of the Bible to accommodate progressive social change—in other words, to justify their sinful life-styles. However, even with all the uproar sinners make about the Bible, for believers it remains a solid anchor. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil (Heb 6:19). It has endured millennia of attacks and challenges and it remains steadfast proclaiming the same truth. For, “All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands for ever” (1 Pet 1:24, 25 NIV).
The first step in receiving the benefits promised in God’s Word is so simple—read it. John wrote, Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it (Rev 1:3). This is directly referring to the Book of Revelation, but the application includes all scripture. Note what he says brings a blessing, he who reads. He doesn’t say he who read and understands every word. Understanding begins with reading. I have taught Revelation hundreds of times and I still do not understand everything it says. Yet, the more I read, the more I understand. This is true for the entire Bible.
It is utterly amazing the number of church members I encounter who admit they do not read the Bible on a daily basis and some never read it. Even more shocking is their reason, “I’m just too busy and don’t have time.” That’s like saying you don’t have time to breathe or to eat. That would result in a quick death. For those who don’t read the Word, they may be physically alive but on spiritual life support. We all know Christians who are stumbling through life because they do not have God’s Word guiding them. Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path (Ps 119:105). When people excuse themselves under the pretext of being too busy, the actual root of the problem is probably misplaced priorities. You spend time doing what is important to you. What’s at the top of your priority list?
Note a few of the benefits of reading the Word. We live in a world of anger, hate, war, and confusion where many have no hope. For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (Rom 15:4). People do not need to be in prison or chains to be in bondage. Think of the people, non-believers and believers, who are in bondage to addictions, debt, sin, people’s opinions, physical or mental abuse, and the list continues. Jesus promised, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (Joh 8:31, 32). Some might say, “I wish God would give me more faith.” If you want more faith, it comes through hearing or reading the word. So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ (Rom 10:17). Want to know more of God’s promises, read His Word.
“Will reading the Bible end all my problems”, the answer is, no. But, it will give you guidance and victory through whatever troubles you encounter. It will bring peace, hope, and joy in the mist of your storms and challenges. You can never believe more than you know or live higher than your beliefs.
Sustaining Word for the Week: Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your instruction; nothing makes them stumble (Ps 119:165 Holman)