|
The Living
Bible
The Bible is a living book. What it is
to us depends on what we are to it. If we approach it with unbelief
and sneers, it shudders like a wounded thing and closes up its
heart, and we gaze only on a cold and gross exterior. We behold the
form of its words, but discern not the treasures hidden in them. It
appears cold and lifeless and repellent, and we go away depressed
and unbelieving.
If we
approach it reverently, trustfully, and confidently, it opens up to
us its hidden depths. It shows to us its wonders. We may see in it
unequaled beauties, unfading glories, magnificent vistas of thought;
we may hear its voice of love, tender beyond words; we may feel the
warmth of its affection, be uplifted by its hopefulness, and
thrileed with the tones of its joy-bells.
If we
open to it our heart's door and pour out our treasures of affection,
it in turn opens to us a great storehouse, and we may eat and be
satisfied, and drink and thirst not. We may revel in its rich
perfume, the rythmic cadences of its music, the splendor of its
heavenly light, and to us there is no question whether it is the
living truth.
The
Bible is to the Christian what the forest is to him that delights in
nature. He who walks through the forest laughing, talking and
singing, hears not the sweet notes of the songster nor sees the wild
things. He who would see and hear the things that delight the nature
lover must steal softly and silently along, watching his footsteps,
hiding in the shadows, and thus he may see nature as she is.
Likewise he who comes to the Bible full of self-importance with mind
and heart self-centered sees not the natural beauty of the Bible. We
must come to it effacing self, seeking not our own but the things of
Christ, and we shall find it a mine of spiritual gold, a fountain of
living water, a balm for every sorrow, a light in every dark hour -
the one and only book that meets and satisfies the needs of the
human soul.
Back To The Story Page.
|
