What to do with an ‘old’ Bible? It’s been at hand for many years but the pages are getting tatty, the binding is struggling to hold the pages and the covers are frayed. It has become a friend as we have covered the pages in notes from sermons and Bible studies since time immemorial. But, try as we might, our faithful old ‘friend’ has reached the limit of its days. But how does one dispose of a Bible? It is God’s word; we just can’t throw it with the rubbish. Is it destined to spend the rest our lives on the bookshelf, only to be thrown away by family members when we pass away?
A friend of mine faced this dilemma recently. His Bible had seen better days, filled with notes made at church, Christian conventions and church camps. He found it difficult to part with his favourite book. But he felt God saying, “Don’t hold on to it. They were great times but that is all in the past. I still have so many new things to show you.” So, reluctantly he disposed of the old Bible and bought a new one, stretching his limits even to a more modern version.
The smell of new leather quickly won him over. And so much space to fill with notes… He found refreshment and new insight into the truths of God as he turned the pages of his new translation. Yes, “the word of God is alive and powerful, sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword…It exposes our inner-most thoughts and desires.” (Heb 4:12) Why not stretch yourself and consider looking at God’s word from a different angle? You will be pleasantly surprised at all the new things He has to say to you… Pastor Bob