Inspired & Hand Crafted

Throughout the years, it was often said, “If you read it in the newspaper or hear it on television, then it must be true.” Sadly, we know that to not always be the case today. There are many accurate well written and well thought out news stories across all types of media outlets, but there are also times when the journalist or reporter seems to have an agenda that shades the accuracy of the reporting. It is sometimes hard to tell the difference, so these days we tend to view all news reporting with skepticism. The same can be said of the ever-increasing number of books that line the shelves at any bookstore, whether the book hits the New York Times best seller list or heads straight to the bargain table.   

However, there is one book – the Bible – that is the biggest best seller of all time, translated into more languages and read by more people than any other single book. It is accurate, trustworthy, reliable, authoritative, and relevant in all situations and to all people.       

I believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. By inspired I do not mean inspired in the way that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was inspired to compose one of his pieces of music. By inspired, I mean that the writing of the Bible was done by human hands under the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit.

In 2 Peter 1:20-21 we read these words, “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

Jesus said these words to His disciples near the end of His life, “The words that I speak to you aren’t mere words. I don’t just make them up on my own. The Father who resides in me crafts each word in a divine act” (John 14:10b, MSG).

I also believe that the Bible is the authoritative Word of God, meaning that it is more than a book of good ideas or helpful hints to guide us through life. It is my belief that the Bible has final authority over us for what we should believe (faith) and how we should live (practice).

The apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

In Hebrews 4:12 we see a similar message, “God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is as sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey” (MSG).

So, the next time you open your Bible, keep an ear tuned to God and allow Him to speak to you through the words on the page. Scripture is God’s Word to you, not simply human words about Him. Every word is inspired and hand crafted by God, perfect and true!

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