READ the Bible!

I attended the Calvary Chapel senior pastor's conference for the first time in Murrieta, California.  The week was marked with great teaching and a tremendous time of fellowship with other pastors.  Another highlight for me was searching through the old volumes at the used bookstore.  Among the books I purchased is the Bible pictured here, printed by Samuel Bagster and Sons in London around 1860.

When I pulled this Bible off the shelf, a huge smile spread across my face.  As I turned it over and over in my hands, I was struck by the craftsmanship of the volume.  The gilt pages were etched with beautiful designs and the leather cover was also decorated with intricate patterns.  As I opened the book to examine it further, one thing became apparent:  this book had never been read!  There was no staining of the pages, no oil residue left from fingers, and no marks of any kind.  Apparently it had been a gift given to Reverend Benjamin Darcus who laboured in the Irish parish of Tullyaughnish in 1860.  It is an amazing, well-preserved bit of history.

This beautiful Bible testifies to two facts.  The first is that the Bible has not changed from 1860.  The inspired Word of God has not been changed since it was penned thousands of years ago by men inspired by the Holy Spirit!  Translated from original texts before and after Christ, the Holy scriptures are the same today as they have ever been.  Unlike other religious sects whose texts are edited and changed within a hundred years of being first printed, the Bible remains true and authoritative.  It has endured the most exhaustive scrutiny of both science and history, and remains true and unchanged!

The second fact to which this volume testifies is not good:  for over 150 years, this book remained unread.  It was more of a relic or trophy than actually employed for the purpose it was carefully transcribed over the centuries:  the Bible is to be read, believed, and obeyed.  I would contend that most Bibles remain mostly unread.  This is a terrible tragedy and an affront to God.  Over the years I have loaned out many good books to friends.  It is not uncommon for me to receive a loaned book back many months or years later unread.  How disappointing this is!  People are happy with the concept of gleaning wisdom or truth from a book that might do them good, but are not willing to put in the effort to mine it for themselves.  God must be grieved that His Word is so often neglected and unheeded even by those He has redeemed.

Is reading the Word of God a priority for you?  Is your Bible a trophy on a shelf or food for your soul?  Though it might reduce the resale value of this classic Bible, I intend to read it cover to cover.  The Bible was given by God to be read by men so we might receive His truth and share it with those willing to hear.  Jesus has the Words of life!  What a treasure we have in God's Word!