From time to time it is difficult for me to decide what to write for my frequent “In the News” articles. Sometimes there is so much to choose from in current events, that it is hard to decide what to write about. Other times I struggle to find anything that I feel would help those who read my articles.
However, this week I don’t have that problem. Today I saw a video that was shared on Facebook that elicited a profound response in me. If you want to watch the video, you can go to the following URL:
The video is only a minute long, and shows the immediate of response of a group of about 30 Chinese teenagers and young adults who are being given their own Bibles. The video starts with noisy anticipation. The suitcase is unzipped, and a mad rush commences as these eager people descend upon it to get their copy of the Bible. Almost immediately the room quiets as each individual cradles, caresses, smells and kisses his or her copy . Several begin to cry. Some can only hold the Bible, while others immediately tear off the cellophane wrap, and begin leafing through their own copy of the God’s word. It is an amazing response, and immediately reminded me of Peter’s exhortation in his first epistle:
“As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (1 Peter 2:2-3).
Of course there is no significance to the actual pages and ink. While some have an actual affinity for the book itself — the feel of the pages, the weight of tome, the value of the possession — the real value is to be found in the words! They are the words of God! “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
I think that David put into words the desire and appreciation for God’s word that is seen in the video. “Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2). God’s decision to reveal His will to mankind is a wonderful blessing for each of us. The fact that we have a ready and easy access to that will is nothing short of amazing. Bibles are so ubiquitous that I fear we tend to take them for granted. There is nothing more disheartening than to see a Bible dusty from disuse.
Read it, study it, meditate upon it. Glory in your privilege to own a copy of that which has come directly from the mind of God. Learn it, live it, and rejoice for the hope it brings. Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
If you haven’t watched it yet, find a computer and an internet connection, and watch the video. Think about how rare it has been (in the history of mankind) for men to have ready access to God’s written word. Recognize just how blessed we are. We have it in our homes, on our coffee tables, on our computers, our tablets, even our phones. But, do we really have it in our hearts?
