God’s Word is a precious jewel. Our great heritage, as a Martin Luther hymn goes. I fear, however, that sometimes Christians use it as a weapon, a tool in an argument. At its’ worst use, it becomes a dividing line that causes people to leave a church because we aren’t taking God’s Word literally. The Bible is our guide, our compass. It is meant to elicit holy conversation, offer hope to the despairing, and is a “love letter.” It was never intended to defend a political agenda.

Is it ALL we need?

 All Scripture points to the living Word, which is Jesus. He takes the law and adds to it. He fulfills all prophecies. He is the very Good News for the poor, outcast, and marginalized. But that’s not all. We interpret, with our own unique reasoning and discernment, why it is true. In other words, how we apply this Good News to our lives and how it inspires us is what matters. It is not a constitution, but a covenant God makes with us. The very gift of life! That’s where faith takes over. I hope we are willing to dive in, “drill deep” into the mysteries and wonders that this best-seller offers. We do struggle with it. There are difficult things which, frankly, we wish weren’t in there. A prayerful reading and approach – Lectio Divina – helps guide our thoughts and discernment. If you don’t understand or even accept a passage at face value, do not despair. Let it sit in your heart, spirit, soul, and mind for a bit. The Holy Spirit will elucidate you in good time.

The Word was with God; the Word was God. It is a loving, grace-full Word. But as books go, it is the starting, or jump-off point, to exploring how God intends to transform us by it. There is truth, logic, and beauty in it. When you read, may your heart, soul, spirit and mind be filled with the unconditional love of Jesus, the Living Word. He is all we need.

Pastor Art