August 6, 202

What if someone discovered a document that held the secret to eternal life? Not only that, but it could tell you how to live forever in the best way possible for you and everyone around you. Would you want a copy? Imagine then they held a press conference in which they revealed a few titbits of their find then closed the interview by saying anyone who wants a copy can have it for $50,000. Would you start saving? Would you sell your possessions? Would you take a second Job? What would you give for this wonderful secret?

     In the days of the reformation this situation was not imaginary. There is after all a document that can indeed reveal how to live eternally in peace security and comfort. It can tell you how to navigate this life in such a way as to do the most good. This document ultimately tells you how to have a relationship with the most powerful being in existence. 

     You have probably guessed that I am talking about the Bible. In scripture we have the one and only God creator of everything we see around us, speaking to us. This revelation was not always as easy to come by as it is today. During the time that men like Wycliffe and Tyndale were giving us the first English translations, a bible really did cost about the equivalent of a year’s salary.  These early translators believed that everyone should have a copy and many paid with their lives to make their belief a reality. 

     Over five hundred years later their dream is more than realized as the Bible is easily available and sells millions of copies per year at far less than a year’s salary. For those of us who live in a time when the most important document in existence is so easily available has its low cost been misunderstood to mean low value. 

     We need to remember just what the Bible is and what it means to have a book from God. The inspired poet has done a great job expressing just how valuable the word of God is.

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 

Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. 

 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 

I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. 

I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word!

How blessed we are to have a word from the Lord, may we never forget it.

~ Kevin Cleary