All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. — 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The Bible is considered one of the best-selling books of all time. Billions of copies in numerous languages have been purchased around the world. In fact, between my husband and me, we own ten Bibles. This was not the case prior to the fifteenth century. The Bible was not widely distributed for general use.
John Wycliffe believed that if everyone was supposed to obey the teachings of the Bible, then everyone should have access to one. Wycliffe knew that some teachings would be hard for the people to understand, however “the New Testament is…open to the understanding of simple men…[For] Christ did not write His laws on tables, or on skins of animals, but in the hearts of men.”* Wycliffe and his followers translated the English Bible in the 1380’s for the first time, giving people the opportunity to study the Bible and let the Holy Spirit guide their learning.
I don’t know about you, but this is definitely a gift I take for granted. What a treasure that I get to study and learn from Holy Scriptures! The Bible is not a collection of nice stories or fables, it is God-breathed. Inspired writers followed the direction of the Lord and produced the Holy Scriptures so that we might grow and learn through reading it and allow it to speak into our lives, directing our steps.
The Bible is our standard and source of truth. It is how we should test everything in our lives. Reading and understanding the Bible will help equip you for life’s journey. We should be studying the Bible to help us in our Christian journey. That is why it saddens me to think that I don’t appreciate it as I should.
My challenge to you is the same challenge I give myself. Don’t pick up your Bible today and read it because that’s what you do everyday. Don’t just scan the Scripture on the top of this page, rather, read it. Meditate upon it. Recognize that having Holy Scriptures is a gift from the Lord. Each time we read from it, truth is spoken into our lives and we can learn and grow.
GOING DEEPER:
1. In what way does having access to Holy Scripture affect you?
2. Take time now to thank God for his Holy Word.
FURTHER READING:
Deuteronomy 4:29; Romans 10:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
*Wide as the Waters by Benson Bobrick