Psalm 19:7-11 (NIV)
The law of the LORD
is perfect, reviving the soul. The
statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving
joy to the heart. The commands of the
LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether
righteous. They are more precious than
gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter
than honey, than honey from the
comb. By them is your servant warned; in
keeping them there is great reward.
There’s
absolutely no question that the Bible is a totally unique book. It was written over a period of 1600 years, written by more
than 40 authors of every sort - kings, poor people, fishermen, poets,
government officials, teachers, prophets, written in three languages (Hebrew,
Greek, Aramaic), written on three continents - Asia, Africa, and Europe.
The Bible is the only published book in the history
of mankind that has sold over one billion copies; in fact, the editors of
Publications International listed the 21 best selling books of all time as of
the end of 2007 with the Bible at the top of their list with 5-6 billion copies
sold. The second highest sold
book?---Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong---at 900 million. For you modern readers, Harry Potter and the
Sorcerer’s Stone has sold 100 million copies (#6 of all time with five other
Harry Potter books at #9 ,#11, #13, #14, and #15). Benjamin Spock’s book on baby and childcare
has sold 50 million copies.
Why is the Bible overwhelmingly the best-selling
book of all time? Well, granted, it’s
the oldest book, with the first English version published by John Wycliff in
the 1380s. The first book published by
Gutenberg’s printing press was the Bible in the 1450s. Yet the Bible today
sells over 100 million copies every year (168,000 per day in the
USA—International Bible Society data).
Why?
These verses in Psalm 19 give some answers. They describe what the Bible is and what the
Bible does. Note that the word Bible is
never mentioned, but rather is entitled as “law” (torah), “statutes”,
“precepts”, “commands”, commanding “fear”, and “ordinances”. Psalm 19 claims the Bible to be
§ Perfect—the Bible contains all the answers you’ll ever need and they all
are true.
§ Trustworthy—there are no lies in the Bible.
§ Right—the Bible holds nothing back and it is all true.
§ Radiant—the Bible will open your eyes and heart and you’ll never be the
same again.
§ Pure—the Bible is morally and ethically the purest writing you’ll ever
find.
§ Sure—you can stake your life and your beliefs on the truths of the Bible.
§ Righteous—the Bible can positively change your conduct and character.
§ More precious than gold—the value you gain from the Bible is worth more
than gold.
§ Sweeter than honey—the Bible will give you sweet satisfaction more than
anything else.
What the Bible does (its ministry to those who study
and follow its commands)
§ Revives the soul—your life will be converted and you’ll have all the
assurances of God.
§ Makes wise the simple—you’ll possess the wisdom of God.
§ Gives joy to the heart—you will have a happiness that only comes from
knowing God.
§ Gives light to the eyes—there is no greater source of enlightenment in
the whole world.
§ Endures forever—the Bible will never disappear, never be irrelevant.
§ Gives great reward to those who keep (obeys) God’s commands—the great
reward is true fulfillment in your life on earth and eternal life in
heaven.
What the Bible is and what the Bible does still
speak to millions of people today, despite how long ago it was written. It is a book that brings salvation to
millions of people. It is a book that is
the source of truth, happiness, victory over sin, growth, power, guidance, and
love.
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