Many times the Bible is taken for granted and not treated with the respect that it deserves and demands. To many it is merely a trophy to display in order to impress those who see it. To others its mere presence radiates an invisible force of righteousness to protect a home from evil. Many use it as a photo album to display pictured memories of days gone by. Others perhaps view it as a family heirloom which has been passed down from generations as a keepsake.
To the Christian, though, it should be a constant companion, a daily guide, a means of governing one’s life, and a map to heaven. It may not always be kept in the best of shape because of its constant use. In fact, the cover may be dull, the pages may be yellowed and even torn, and the binding might be coming loose or falling apart all together. Its physical appearance may never impress a stranger who does not really understand what it is all about, but to the faithful child of God its appearance may represent a lifetime of diligent study, research, and desire to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18). It is their prized possession, what they start and end every day with in order to better prepare themselves for the next. This book is their opportunity, though, not only to find redemption and live righteously themselves, but to teach others how to do the same. The message they treasure is one they assume everyone should, and are disappointed when they do not.
There are many common verses in the Bible that relate what a person’s attitude an treatment of the word of God should be such as Acts 17:11; II Timothy 2:15; and II Timothy 3:16-17. However, an account from the Old Testament brings to light the awe, wonder, and thanks that one should have for that revealed will and how it should forever be treated by those who love God.
“And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Matththiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maazeiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zecharaiah, and Meshullam. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up: and Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground” (Nehemiah 8:1-6).
Understand some key qualities about the people’s new found respect for and treatment of the written word of God:
• They loved it enough to assemble to hear it read.
• They loved it enough to demand it and it alone be read.
• They loved it enough to not notice the amount of time it took to read it.
• They loved it enough to actually listen and attempt to comprehend the words Ezra read rather than just stand their like a knot on a log.
• They loved it enough to provide a proper place from which it could be read.
• They loved it enough to stand out of respect when it was opened.
• They loved it enough to accept what it said, reacting with a resounding chorus of “Amen, Amen.”
• They loved it enough to fall prostrate and worship the God who had given it to them.
The people’s love and respect of the book of the Lord is an inspiring account that should be resembled today by all of God’s children. May these points mentioned be a means of encouragement to use our Bibles as tools by reading them, studying them, searching them, and obeying them. Remember, that our treatment of the Bible dictates our feelings for it.