Psalm 1:1-2

‘Blessed is the man who walks not in the council of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night’ (ESV)

 

The Bible: The wicked have no time for it, the sinner finds a way to justify avoidance of it, and the scoffer mocks it and anyone who cares about it, or the Lord whose word it is.

 

It is unfortunate that such behaviour can also taint others and affect their attitude to the Scriptures. To be in such company is not going to gain a person the blessings of God or do anything to increase one’s ‘quality of life’ and knowledge of God and his ways. Some may keenly feel the estrangement from him after denial. Peter felt this after denying Jesus at the house of the high priest after Jesus’ arrest (Jn. 18:15-18).

 

Growing up at boarding school in the days of snail mail I remember how important letters from home and friends were and they were a ‘delight’ to read (maybe not the ‘Dear Johns’). The news, views and answers to questions were an integral part of the correspondence and snippets were often shared with fellow students who did not have the same degree of contact from home.

 

Study of the Scriptures should be better than drudgery which can be the reputation it seems to have gained, or that it is an unnecessary, or an optional part of one’s faith. The Psalmist sees study of the Scriptures as a ‘delight’. God’s correspondence with us through the Scriptures is a constant source of guidance, inspiration, and answers to questions and the best way to prepare oneself to face any situation be it everso mundane, with a view of pleasing the LORD by following His word.

 

Some might say that ‘Real men do not need recipes or read instructions’. I would suggest that real men need to read this recipe for life and instructions on how to live it to the full.

At St. Benedict’s we have some Bible reading notes available for those who wish to begin an incredible journey with God.

 

“A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.”― Charles H. Spurgeon

 

“The object of the Bible is not to tell how good men are, but how bad men can become good.” —Dwight L. Moody

 

“God is the author of the Bible, and only the truth it contains will lead people to true happiness.” — George Muller

 

“The Bible contains all the extant revelations of God, which He designed to be the rule of faith and practice for his Church; so that nothing can rightfully be imposed on the consciences of men as truth or duty which is not taught directly or by necessary implication in the Holy Scriptures.” — Charles Hodge

 

“The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.” – Dwight L. Moody