2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
For those who know the story of the Velveteen Rabbit and his quest to become “real”:
What did he look like when he was “real”?
He was a bit shabby and well worn.
What had made him “real” for the little boy?
It was love and constant contact with his beloved friend.
The story, first published in 1922, was written by Margery Williams and illustrated by William Nicholson, and has been republished and quoted many times. It captures our hearts and teaches us years later … what does “real” mean.
The tale strikes a note when the world tells us what we believe isn’t “real”.
When the Bible is viewed as a very long and very boring “book” or another piece of literature.
“God-breathed” – Imagine the exhale of a mighty God into the world, that those who picked up His word might breathe with Him.
“useful” – not a decoration for setting on a coffee table or desk or book shelf. This Word is USEFUL- it serves a practical purpose.
“teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” … so that we can be equipped for every good work.
The mountain climber readies himself by checking his equipment, getting directions, training for the climb. The parachute jumper learns with diligence every instruction and checks every part of the chute as he prepares for the jump. The Olympic athlete trains daily pushing himself through all the physical preparations that will propel him to a chance at a medal.
And the Christian?
Shouldn’t our Bibles be worn, beloved, taped together, instructions followed, … believed in? Our equipment check and instructions for entry to heaven are way more critical than those for climbing a mountain. Our jump into the world around us is unsafe without them. As far as the reward that awaits us – a guaranteed win and nothing could be more valuable.
The Velveteen Rabbit – fiction that makes a lasting impression.
The Word of God – truth that makes eternity real.