Isaiah 55.1-11, Psalm 19.7-14, John 5.36b-47
Today is Bible Sunday, it gives us the opportunity to reflect on what the Bible means to us, both collectively and personally.
The Bible is more than a collection of religious writings. It is a profound and transformative narrative that has shaped human history, morality, and thought.
As we approach it today, we should do so not just as a piece of literature, but as the living Word of God. Relevant and impactful even in our modern age.
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible offers a rich tapestry of language, genres, and teachings that can continue to speak into our lives.
It is Multifaceted. We know that much of the Bible is a written historical record of God's dealings with humanity. The Bible recounts actual events where God has intervened in human history. In our prayers we take comfort and inspiration from this asking for God’s guidance and intervention again.
It contains poetry and wisdom, prophecy, and law.
The Gospels, for instance, are historical accounts of Jesus life, death, and resurrection. Luke's gospel begins with the declaration of historical accuracy, he writes “Since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you”. (Luke 1:3).
The Gospels invite us to meet Jesus, the fulfilment of the Old Testament promises and the Saviour of the world. John's gospel begins with a profound theological statement “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
Mark’s Gospel makes no mention of Jesus’ birth or early years.
I personally love that in the gospels we get four accounts of the same events. We are given four people's perspectives of what they saw, experienced, and felt. Allowing for a holistic, emotional, and humanly connective accounts.
Some would argue that because the accounts differ in certain
When gathering evidence and statements, the Police will tell you if they take witness statements and all of them are exactly the same, they become suspicious that these are made-up and collaborated. Because no one remembers things exactly the same. No one feels and sees events exactly the same. We all put our own spin on things. And that's what the Gospels do. They are distinct in that they are both historical and theological.
Books like the Psalms, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes offers poetic and philosophical reflections of God's people.
The Psalms are collection of praise songs and meditations that express the full range of human emotions, from joy to despair, from faith to doubt. One of the best-known passages, Psalm 23, poetically captures God's role as a shepherd. “The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing” (Psalm 23:1).
Proverbs, on the other hand, gives practical wisdom for daily life, teaching us how-to live-in harmony with God's design.
”Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
We find prophecy in the books such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Revelation. The prophets spoke of future events. Many of which pointed to the coming of Jesus, but they also delivered God's message to their present audience, calling them to Repentance and faithfulness.
Once again as relevant today as ever.
The Books of Law, particularly the first five books, give us God's commandments and regulations for the people of Israel. These laws governed their worship to social conduct and morality. The moral law, such as the 10 commandments, have universal relevance, today as much as ever.
The Epistles, the letters, written by Paul, Peter, James and others, provide instruction, encouragement, and correction to early Christian communities.
These epistles remain a rich source of Christian doctrine and practical living. Paul's letter to the Romans, for example, lays out the theological foundation of salvation by grace through faith. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are all justified freely by His grace”. (Romans 3:23-24).
Many people wonder if the Bible, written thousands of years ago, is still relevant today. The answer is a resounding YES!
The Bible addresses the most fundamental aspects of human existence. Our relationship with God, our purpose in life, and our moral and spiritual dilemmas.
It reveals God as eternal, unchanging and all knowing. As such, his word remains applicable in every age. Hebrew 4:12 tells us that, “The Word of God is alive and active”, which means that it speaks into our lives today as it did to those who first heard and read it.
In a world that increasingly blurs the lines between right and wrong, the Bible provides clear moral direction. The teachings of Jesus, such as the Sermon on the Mount, call us to live lives of integrity, humility, and love. His words in Matthew 5:44 “…Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” are as countercultural today as they were in the 1st century.
In times of uncertainty and suffering, the Bible offers hope. The Psalms are a treasure trove of prayers for those enduring hardship. The New Testament builds on this hope, promising eternal life and the ultimate restoration of all things through Jesus Christ.
The Bible has the power to transform individuals and societies. It has been the foundation of social reforms, from the abolition of slavery to movements for civil rights. More than that, it has the ability to transform hearts.
When being interviewed for training, I was asked which was my favourite book of the bible. I said it was Genesis. When asked why I explained that I thought it proves that God really is a loving God. He gave us free will. He could have made us obedient and subservient unable to disobey. Instead, he allowed Adam and Eve to choose. He allows us to choose, God knows and shows us that love not given freely is not love at all.
We, as Christians choose love. We through the teachings of the Bible choose God.
A dear friend and retired clergy told me that she had told her panel that her favourite book was Ruth, because it was really a love story and she loved Mills and Boon!
Over the next few days, I would encourage you to reflect on any words, verses or books in the Bible that come to mind, that have had meaning for you, and how they speak to you. Revisit a passage you haven’t read for a while. Make it relevant for you this week.
With its diverse languages and genres. It is more than an ancient book; it is the living word of God. Relevant and powerful in every age. It speaks to our deepest needs. Offers wisdom for our daily lives and points us to the ultimate hope we have in Jesus Christ. As we read and meditate on its words, we are invited into transformative relationship with God. Where we discover not only who He is but who we are meant to be in Him.
Amen
Revd. Tracy Jones