This is written by my friend, Tracey McMahan, who also wrote "Reflections on Ruth: Waiting" (You can find that post by clicking on July under Blog Archive on the right hand side of this screen). The more I get to know Tracey, the more I love her. Enjoy this post! If you are like me it will resonate so deeply it will leave your spine tingling.
Today I met another woman at a coffee shop. We both had tea. Hers was cold. Mine was hot. She said, “No, thank you” to the yummy baked goods in the case. I had a big, fat oatmeal raisin cookie. She has four kids and is a stay-at-home mom. I’m an empty-nester and work outside the home. She is well established in her church and community. I’ve just moved to town. You might very well ask, “Do the two of you have anything in common? Besides tea, that is?” Oh, yes. Without a doubt. We are both in love. We are both gripped by the same passion. We both absolutely adore the exact same thing – the Word of God.
Our afternoon conversation sent me home thinking about my love for the ancient Book that had permeated our conversation. What is it about the Bible that rouses such passion in me? What is contained within its covers that keeps me coming back for more? What makes me so eager to turn its pages and pour over its contents? After all, that’s not what we do with most books, right? We read them once, maybe twice, if they’re really well written. And then we put them on the shelf. Or sell them at our next garage sale. Or donate them to the local library. But to keep reading the same book, day after day, year after year? Absurd! Unheard of! Ridiculous, some might say.
Unless that book is something more than simply ink on paper. Unless that book is truly unique and special. Unless that book contains truths so deep and honest and real and powerful that we almost can’t help but read it. And keep on reading it. It gets under our skin. It boggles our mind. It soothes our soul. And it changes our lives, if we let it.
What gives this book, a bestseller for decades, such power? What makes it so timeless? Simple. Two things: its Author and its Main Character. God and God. God the Father breathed it. God the Spirit inspired it. And God the Son fleshes it out, living and moving in every chapter and every verse. He draws us in. He lifts us up. He comforts and sustains. And yes, sometimes He convicts and chastens. But always He loves. He loves with a love so strong and overwhelming that it takes our breath away. And makes us want to know Him more. And makes us want to spend time reading about His amazing life, His amazing love, and His amazing return some day. And so we open up His book one more time. And read the old, old story once again. And meditate yet another day on the words that speak truth to our hearts and healing to our spirits.
The Bible.
One incredible read.
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