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Verse: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, NKJV
In all honesty, sincerity, and humility, does anyone know of a book that transcends the wisdom, relevancy, and sacredness of the Bible? There are thousands of books on bestseller lists that are captivating, informative, and even inspiring.
One such book, for me, was about a grandmother who, in her late sixties and into her seventies, hiked the entire length of the Appalachian Trail, which passes through fourteen states and at that time was 2,168 miles long. Since walking can be enjoyable, it stirred a desire in me to walk at least a portion of that trail because it starts in my birth state. That has not become a reality though. Even though the Bible is the best-selling book of all ages, are we so inspired and captivated by it that we can hardly put it down? It is full of narratives that are relevant to every situation we face in life, and it offers solutions for anything we may encounter. The narrative about Eli’s sons, Phinehas and Hophni, tells us how very wicked they were. They took the ark of God with them into battle against the Philistines, thinking that it would protect them and give them victory over their enemy. It mentions nothing about them repenting and turning away from their sins. That act had disastrous results. You can read about the account in 1 Samuel 4. Then there is dear Abigail in 1 Samuel 25. God used her to keep David from committing a heinous act against her household that he most surely would have regretted later.
She recognized and acknowledged that David was a man of God, and God was able to use her mightily. How did she acquire that wisdom and courage, considering her circumstances? Such wisdom does not come overnight but from a lifetime of walking with God. There are lessons for us to learn in each of these narratives.
We are all human and make mistakes.
While we can see God’s displeasure in many biblical narratives, many accounts in His Word illustrate how He delights in us and loves it when we choose to obey. So let us walk with God each day because following Him will lead us to eternal life.
Sharon M. Thomas