“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105
On this day 566 years ago, the first Gutenberg Bible was completed in Mainz, Germany. It was the first volume printed with moveable metal type, and the press produced 180 copies. Gutenberg’s innovation took technologies already present in the 15th century and synthesized them into an efficient printing process. This momentous achievement was a breakthrough in the history of the dissemination of knowledge. According to one Christian publisher, the modern American household has over four Bibles.
Yet with this surfeit of scripture, what is the role of the Bible in our day-to-day lives? There are many meta scriptures that speak directly about the scriptures:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12
“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:10-11
Personally, I am drawn to the Psalm 119 (above). It may be because the Psalm comes with a catchy tune. It may also be because the simplicity of the verse makes it easy to remember. Yet more than anything, I am drawn to Psalm 119 because it articulates the role scripture has played in my life. The parables of Christ, the ancient stories, and the practical epistles have all in some way helped illuminate my journey.
What role has scripture played in your life? What role could it play today?
I encourage you to invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you through scripture today. Spend some time memorizing a simple verse or choose one biblical story to carry with you today. May the grace and love in God’s holy word come alive in your sacred life today.