This year has been declared the “Year of the Bible” according to various religious leaders around the world.
Founder of “Year of the Bible,” Nick Hall told Fox News: “They’re bringing together resources to help believers and nonbelievers alike to engage with the Bible like never before. He said the Bible is the most influential and misunderstood book in history and the movement simply would ask people, ‘Look to the Bible for yourself, and what if this was your year to be inspired?’”
Their web site states that “A historic collaboration of organizations, people, artists, musicians, designers, politicians — groups from almost every walk of life are collectively declaring 2020 to be the Year of the Bible.”
When I read the story I thought, “Every year ought to be a year of the Bible.” However, it’s an admirable aim to get back to the Bible.
Bible reading is a good goal for 2020. It’s a worthy endeavor that will touch our hearts, challenge our thinking, and transform our lives if we allow its truth to sink deep. Here are ten good reasons to make 2020 your year of the Bible:
- Bible reading teaches us about the character of God as revealed by Jesus (John 14:6-11).
- Bible reading draws us closer to God and helps us develop a more intimate relationship with Him as our Father (2 Corinthians 6:16-18).
- Bible reading guards our hearts against sinning (Psalm 119:11).
- Bible reading refocuses our attention from things of the world to things that areheavenly, spiritual and eternal (Colossians 3:1-2).
- Bible reading transforms our lives, hearts, and minds (Romans 12:1-2).
- Bible reading reveals to us the Truth of God’s Word (John 17:17).
- Bible reading gives us wisdom, insight, and understanding into God’s eternal planfor our lives (Ephesians 3:3-5; 5:17).
- Bible reading supplies us with the courage and strength we need to do what is right(Joshua 1:8-9).
- Bible reading puts us on the path of righteousness, corrects us when we err, andequips us for ministry (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- Bible reading helps us to be both faithful and fruitful (Colossians 1:9-10).
Finally, it occurs to me that if all religious leaders would truly be guided by God’s Word they would find that Jesus prayed that all believers might be unified in Him (John 17:20-23), that the apostle Paul commanded there “be no divisions” among us (1 Corinthians 1:10), and that the Scriptures alone were sufficient to be our guide in all religious matters.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Yes, through the revelation of His Word, God has “given us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who has called us glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3).
Of course, Bible reading alone will not affect the ultimate good it can accomplish. It requires our personal commitment, application, and putting in practice daily its Truth. James’ admonition is appropriate: “Be doers of the Word and not (readers) only deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22).
Make 2020 your year of the Bible and daily pray, “Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law” (Psalm 119:18).
Adapted from Ken Weliever
