THE BIBLE – READ IT, LIVE IT AND PREACH IT

On 23 July, 1779, to be precise two hundred and forty six years back, the pioneer American Methodist bishop, Francis Asbury wrote in his journal…
– ‘I find it of more consequence to a preacher to know his Bible well, than all the languages or books in the world – for he is not to preach these, but the Word of God.’

Reading the quote of Francis Asbury, I am reminded of two Sunday School songs, that I learnt, long long back. They speak about the significance of the Bible, and the role it plays in our growth, and our progress as a Christians.
1- “THE BEST BOOK TO READ IS THE BIBLE”
“The best book to read is the Bible. If you read it everyday. It will help you on your way. Oh, the best book to read is the Bible”
2- “READ YOUR BIBLE PRAY EVERYDAY”
“Read your Bible, Pray every day…And you’ll grow, grow, grow.”

This is what our LORD spoke with Moses and the Hebrew Children, regarding the Word of God.
– “4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” – Deuteronomy 6:4-9

This is what our LORD spoke with Joshua, even as he took up the enormous responsibility of, leading the Hebrew children, into the Promised Land, without Moses.
– “7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:7-9

The LORD wanted these words, found in Psalm 1:1-3, to be written down for all His children, all through the ages, as a beacon of light, to help us see, why we should be reading and meditating upon the Bible, day and night.
– “​1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.” – Psalm 1:1-3

Francis Asbury believed wholeheartedly, that the Bible should have a preeminent place in the life of a Christian, be it a preacher, or a an ordinary Christian. Such is its significance, and its influence, in the life of a Christian. This is what the Bible speaks so eloquently about. This is what the faithful Christians, who walked before us, have made it abundantly clear. “THE BIBLE – READ IT, LIVE IT AND PREACH IT” Therefore, it begs the question…
– What place do we give to the written Word of God in our lives?
– What kind of preference do we give to the Bible in our lives?
– What kind of priority do we give to the Bible in our lives?
– What is the place we give to the daily reading of the Bible, in our lives?
– What kind of emphasis is placed to its practice in our lives?

May we always give, the best and highest place to the Bible, in our hearts and minds, all the days of our lives. Let us seek the LORD, to grant us grace, to walk faithfully on the righteous paths, laid out in the Bible. Let us ask the LORD, to help us take delight, and deeply meditate upon the Bible, day and night. Therefore, in regards to “THE BIBLE” – let us – “READ IT, LIVE IT AND PREACH IT” all the days of our lives. Even so, the LORD help us.