Day Thirty-Three

The date this particular devotion is being published, May 6th, is an interesting one in church history. It was on May 6th (there is some disagreement about the year, but it was probably 1539 or 1541) that King Henry VIII issued a proclamation that an English-language Bible should be placed in every church of the land.

The reasons for and history behind Henry’s proclamation are long and involved, and may very well have been driven more by power than piety, but there is no ignoring the fact that making English-language Bibles available to the common person was a significant moment for the Christian church. The translation of the Bible into a language other than Hebrew, Greek, or Latin was a long time coming, and in fact it boggles the mind to think that it took a millennium and a half for it to happen. If you think about it…the body of Christ has had the Scriptures available in common languages for only about a quarter of the church’s long history. And this fact leads to a thought that sometimes hits me hard:

We take it so much for granted.

As I sit here writing this, there are a half dozen Bibles within my reach. And of course, I can log on to any number of sites and read Scripture from just about every translation available—it takes only a nanosecond to pull up any passage I choose. How amazing is that?

And yet, like many things that are readily available, we can sometimes forget how remarkable and unique it truly is. The very word of God, the record of God’s self-revelation to humanity, the story of our salvation, the testimony of those who knew Jesus Christ and began his kingdom work in the world—the Bible is all these things and more. It is truly a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path. (Psalm 119:105)

And it is available to us.

Of course, there are many in the world for whom this is not yet true. For some, it is because the Bible is denied them by political forces. For others, it is because they are still awaiting a translation in their own language. According to the Wycliffe organization, “There are currently 3,945 languages with no Scripture. 167 million people, speaking 2,014 languages, still need translation work to begin.”

In light of those humbling figures, we find ourselves even more appreciative of the fact that we can sit down, right where we are, and find ourselves immersed in the word of God. And in that immersion we are met. We are formed. We are spoken to.

As one of the most recent English translations renders a teaching from the Apostle Paul in Romans 15:

“For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope.”—Romans 15:4 (NET)

So on this day when we seek to not take God’s Word for granted, let’s spend some time reading and meditating on it. Following our song, you will find a number of passages of Scripture…about Scripture. You’re invited to sit with these words and offer this time as extended gratefulness to God for the gift of his Word.

The Word is alive
And the world and its glories will fade
But His truth it will not pass away
It remains yesterday and forever the same

Read the rest of the lyrics here.

Time of Reflection

You’re invited to sit with these words from God’s Word, each passage using a different English translation. You may choose to simply read them and sit in silence. You might wish to pray with these passage, using the ancient practice of Lectio Divina. Choose whatever posture and practice might help you engage with the Word and lead you into gratitude for the gift that it is to us.

Psalm 1:1-3 (New international version)

Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.

2 timothy 3:16-17 (THE VOICE TRANSLATION)

All of Scripture is God-breathed; in its inspired voice, we hear useful teaching, rebuke, correction, instruction, and training for a life that is right so that God’s people may be up to the task ahead and have all they need to accomplish every good work.

psalm 19:7-10 (THE PASSION TRANSLATION)

Yahweh’s Word is perfect in every way;
how it revives our souls!
Yahweh’s laws lead us to truth,
and his ways change the simple into wise.
Yahweh’s teachings are right and make us joyful;
his precepts are so pure!
Yahweh’s commands challenge us to keep close to his heart!
The revelation-light of his Word makes my spirit shine radiant.
Yahweh’s decrees are trustworthy.
The fear of Yahweh is pure, enduring forever.
The rarest treasures of life are found in his truth.
That’s why God’s Word is prized like others prize the finest gold.
Sweeter also than honey are his living words—
sweet words dripping from the honeycomb!

Hebrews 4:12 (NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION)

Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.