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Daily Bible Reading - Necessity or Choice?
“48 but the one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.” - Luke 12:48
The most wonderful time of the year has finally arrived. The time where everyone seems to move a little bit faster and our schedules are busier than usual, but the general mood of our friends and neighbors is filled with kindness, cheer, and a hearty holiday greeting. There is something about this time of year and its impact on the hearts of different individuals. It is a time of family and friends, happiness and cheer, laughter and smiles, and love. It is a time where we surround one another with all the goodness and blessings that God has abundantly supplied. It is a time of giving and receiving. It is indeed the most wonderful time of the year!
One of the most priceless gifts given during this time of year is a new Bible. The possibilities of a newly gifted Bible are endless. For the Bible connoisseur, there are multiple layers to be decided before choosing the newest addition – which translation, publishing company, type of leather, binding, semi or full yapp, art gilding, paper weight and quality, paragraph or verse format, etc. This may be vastly different from those who simply choose a Bible by its initial look, touch, and readability. The words and message are exactly the same, but some just have more expensive tastes.
Neither the leather binding nor paper weight mean anything, if the Bible purchased remains unread. The Bible is the most valuable possession in a person’s life. Its value is not determined by a bookstore or website, but rather by the words contained within its binding. It contains the words of eternal life! Our resolution at beginning of a new year should be to read God’s Word every day. The plethora of reading plans are endless and can easily fit into anyone’s schedule. The key to achieving a successive reading plan is being consistent and learning to love the Word of God. This means that our reading plans do not end with Leviticus, but rather after finishing the other 63 books. The beauty of reading God’s Word is that once you have completed it once, you will long to read it again and again.
The Bible is filled with terrifying verses that ought to convict our hearts/minds to pay closer attention to our words and actions on a daily basis. The Hebrew writer wrote – “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (10:31). He upped the ante, when he wrote – “for our God is a consuming fire” (12:29). Can we even begin to fathom the fear that these two verses alone should create in our lives? The Hebrew writer also wrote –
12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do (4:12-13).
The Word of God is perfect and has given mankind the mind of God. Our failure to read, study, and apply the Word of God is to our eternal detriment. What excuse(s) will be heard and found legitimate on that fateful day? What excuse will we offer in exchange for the busyness of our schedules and inability to give God an opportunity to speak to us on a daily basis?
The Bible is also filled with so many wonderful verses which offer us hope, salvation, and eternal life. In the midst of a storm-tossed sea, Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still” (Mark 4:39). The One who had authority over the winds and sea is the same One who said – “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16a). Jesus gave His life as a ransom for the many (Matthew 20:28). Jesus went to the cross, endured its agony and shame, so we could be saved from our own selfish desires and rebellion against our God. The beauty of God’s grace is manifested from the very beginning. When Adam and Eve choose to deny God’s will, He did not leave them without hope, but rather promised to send mankind a Savior (Genesis 3:15).
The Bible is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16). It gives us the words necessary to be found faithful and righteous in the sight of God (Hebrews 11:6; 2 Peter 1:3). It contains the message of salvation which has been freely offered to all (John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9). The greatest benefit we will ever receive on a daily basis will not come from running, exercising, or taking our daily regiment of vitamins, but rather it comes from the reading of God’s Word. If you are struggling with temptation - read God’s Word! If you are happy and blessed in this life - read God’s Word! If you are experiencing trials - read God’s Word! If you are breathing and have the necessities of life - read God’s Word! The promise of Jesus will come true - “…from everyone who has been given much, much will be required…” - will we be prepared and ready?
