What's So Amazing About Scripture?نموونە

 A Cure, A Blade, A Cradle 

Isn't Scripture amazing? There are many more metaphors for Scripture than we can explore in seven days. Let’s pack in three more on this final day in our journey: it’s a cure, it’s a blade, and it’s a cradle.

God’s Word is medicine, says Solomon, the wisest man of his day: “Pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one's whole body.” (Proverbs 4:20–22) We moderns tend to fragment our health into physical, psychological and spiritual categories. The Bible not only presents a more integrated vision of our health and wholeness, it presents itself as a three-in-one doctor, counselor, and pastor.

It’s also a multi-purpose blade, firstly a scalpel in the hands of a skillful surgeon, cutting out spiritual and moral cancers from our lives: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) And it’s a military sword, offering us protection from the onslaught of darkness and deception, and enabling us to set the captives free: “Stand firm then … take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:14–17)

One last one: God’s Word is a cradle. Jesus said, “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me,  yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” (John 5:39–40) We do not worship Scripture itself, rather we worship the One whom Scripture “contains”—as Martin Luther said, “Scripture is the cradle in which Christ lays.” 

Many of us want more of Jesus in our lives, but where did we hope to find him? If we want to see Jesus more clearly and draw closer to him, then we should daily and diligently explore the cradle of Scriptures, and see what they show us about Jesus. 

We come to the end of our journey. We have discovered that Scripture is a refreshing river, a guiding light, the breath of God, life-giving seed, renewing rain, a foundation in the storm, food for our soul, a cure, a blade, and a cradle. Now, with our confidence in and hunger for God’s Word increased, and our passion and expectancy ignited, we’re much more ready for our next journey through Scripture…

This plan is adapted from Terran William's book, "What's So Amazing About Scripture?" Find out about this and his other books at terranwilliams.com