I can’t remember when I first opened my Bible, can you?
I know that a Bible was opened and verses were read aloud at my baptism, my confirmation and my wedding. Surely a Bible was used all those years I was in Sunday School and then in preparation for confirmation. In high school and in college I occasionally opened my Bible for reassurance of God’s love for me written in what have become my favorite books- the Letters to Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians.
But it wasn’t until my husband and I joined a small fellowship group that I really opened my Bible for spiritual growth. Our first study guide focused on friendship and the first section of “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17 KJV) became the coined verse frequently quoted by each one of us with a smile. “Iron sharpeneth iron!”
Our next study forced us to jump into the book of John. Opening our Bibles and reading the words gave us a glimpse of the real Jesus, the one who loves, forgives and gives us infinite second chances to come close to God. When we come close to God and God comes close to us, we are touched with God’s love, assured of our purpose in life and inspired to reach out and help others with what we’ve been given.
God gave us the words in the Bible so that we could know God better. The more I read my Bible, the better I come to know God. What a wonderful blessing!
It doesn’t matter when you first opened your Bible, but it does matter that you open it today.
Holy God, I want to know you personally: to have a special relationship with you. Help me open my Bible daily so I can come close to you. Amen.