Why bother reading a book that is so old and has stories about people who lived 2,000 to 6,000 or more years ago? What can anything in the Bible have to say to us today? The Bible was written in pre-industrial times, so what can it say to us who live in the midst of a technological boom? Isn’t the Bible obsolete, though it does have a few nice phrases?
Actually, the Bible does have a great deal to say to us today. I love reading the Bible, even the stories that at first are difficult or hard to understand. Here is why I think the Bible needs to be part of our faith practice today:
people are people. A rebellious younger son takes off with his father’s money, spends it and then returns seeking forgiveness. A woman gets frustrated at having to work so hard in the kitchen while her sister sits and listens to stories. A widow has to fight to get what she deserves. A young man seeks to find meaning in his life, knowing that all his money doesn’t provide the answer. A young woman comes with amazing news, but is not believed by the group of men to whom she delivers the news. These are stories which are just as meaningful today as they were in Biblical times.
the situations really the same. Take the story (well, actually more than one) of the tyrant king who destroys Jerusalem and drives the people off into exile. I can think of several situations today that fit that description, for example, Syria! When we read the stories in the Bible, they give us a chance to reflect upon our own situation, and consider how we can work alongside God.
wisdom is wisdom. Some words just transcend centuries. “Love is patient. Love is kind” – those words never get old. “When I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you, God, are with me!” – those words are just as comforting now. “Love your neighbour as you love your self.” – wisdom doesn’t go out of fashion. “Do unto others as you would have them do to you!” – always good advice
The Bible represents a time-tested tradition of learnings & wisdom, failures & triumphs, hope & longings, belief & doubt. We need a faith that is rooted and grounded in thousands of years. Only such a tradition can help us in our most challenging moments, hold us in our deepest grief, and support us through our failures. We need something that is bigger than our own latest opinions and feelings. In the large and long tradition represented by the Bible, we can find rest in the knowledge that God is with us; we are not alone!
So read the Bible. Share Bible stories and phrases with your children. Don’t worry if they understand everything now, though you might be surprised at how much they do get it.
Download a Bible app, such as Bible Gateway, which gives you a Verse of the Day to read. (use The Message version of the Bible, for a new and modern wording of scripture.) Bible Gateway also lets you search for scriptures you know are somewhere in the Bible.
Let the words of scripture be part of your daily routine. It makes all the difference. I can be feeling frazzled, worried, overwhelmed – and then feel a peace sink in as I read the words that have comforted, challenged and nourished people for centuries. We need the Bible – it reminds us of our connection to a faith tradition much bigger than ourselves and our relationship with the One who is always there for us.
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