Contributor: Marian
Scriptures:
2 Timothy 3:16 Isaiah 40:8 Hebrews 4:12 John 14:23 John 1:1-14 Romans 10:17
Mary Jones was born to poor parents in North Wales in 1784. She became a Christian aged eight, and was filled with a desire to read the Bible for herself. Young Mary worked hard in her lessons, until she was able to read fluently. Welsh language Bibles were extremely rare, so Mary had to walk to a farm two miles from her home whenever she wanted to read the Bible. The nearest Bible shop was 26 miles away, in Bala. Mary became so eager to have her own Bible that she cleaned houses and saved her earnings for six long years before setting off early one morning to walk 26 miles barefoot over the mountainous terrain to buy her own Welsh Bible.
It is believed that the shop keeper, Rev Thomas Charles was so moved by young Mary’s determination, that he encouraged the Religious Tract Society to begin the work of translating the Bible into many languages. And so, The British and Foreign Bible Society was born.
Looking back to my own childhood I remember churches being filled every Sunday. All schools began their day with a Christian assembly, and Scripture was taught in the classroom. Today I feel an overwhelming heartache for the children who are deprived of the Word of God, whilst being taught things that are diametrically opposed to His perfect will for their lives.
God speaks to us through His Word and we are able to share sweet fellowship with Him when we make it part of our prayer and devotional time each day.
I am certain that the reason God’s Word has survived for thousands of years and sold more copies than any other book in history, lies within its pages:
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:8
“The word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword……….” Hebrews 4:12
‘Jesus said to him, “if anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”’ John 14:23
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God……... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-14.
“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17
Every word in The Bible is God breathed, profitable for doctrine, training in righteousness, is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. It brings reproof, discipline, correction, instruction and wisdom. It teaches, admonishes, encourages. It is our Sword, giving us Victory over sin and equipping us for every good work. The word is intrinsically linked to our Saviour who took on flesh and dwelt among us. It leads us to repentance and salvation and points us to Holy Spirit, who points us to Jesus, who points us to Abba Father. Our Triune God has given us both Word and Spirit to enable us to live a Christ centred life.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for the ancient Israelites who wrote and preserved Your Word, and for the Jewish Apostles who were obedient to Your commission to take the BGible to the nations. May we treasure Your Word as greatly as Mary Jones. Inspire us with a passion to share Your Word with others until they too find the beauty of intimacy with You. Amen.
A lovely song from Robin Mark - Ancient Words