The Word

Bible Reading: John 1:1-14

At Redeemer Church, Anna Nagar, there used to be a cupboard on the side filled with Bibles. Those Bibles had been left behind after the church services. If the owners had missed their Bibles, they would have surely claimed their Bibles. Those Bibles had not been missed by their owners at all! There are many homes where the Bible is not read at all. 

That highlights the significance of the Bible in the lives of average churchgoers.

A friend who had worked with me visited India some time back, and we had a small get-together at a restaurant. While sitting, she wanted her backpack to be put on the seat next to her. The reason she gave was that she always carried an idol of her god with her, so she kept it close to her at all times. And I was amazed at her commitment and reverance!

Following the Reformation, pulpits were elevated and placed in a prominent position in Protestant churches to symbolize the importance of preaching and the authority of God's Word. This shift reflected a change in focus from the Catholic Mass, which emphasized the sacraments, to a more sermon-centric service. 

The Bible tells us in John 1:1 that the Bible is the Word of God and the Word was God! How we treat the Bible and the Person of the Bible tells us about our love and respect for that Person. A Bible that is never read or never obeyed denies the Person of Jesus, who is God Himself. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1).

The Bible should hold a central place in every believer's life.  The values of the Bible should guide our thoughts, words, and actions, shaping the worldview. The Bible is the source of wisdom and truth, and so it should be the foundation for our spiritual life and a guide for daily living. Psalm 119:11 tells us that the Bible should be hidden in the heart—that is, its principles and values must be ingrained and constantly applied.

My friend, the Bible is a powerful tool against temptation and the enemy's schemes. But a Bible that is not read and not obeyed has no power over the evil one. Let us give importance to reading and obeying the Bible so that we can live a victorious life.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Word. You set our hearts on fire. Help me to live in honor of You always. Amen.