No matter how old we are, Walking in the darkness can still be dangerous and frightening. Even if the darkness doesn’t completely blind us, it can certainly distort our perception and it is entirely possible to go through life walking in spiritual darkness. It is easy to forget that we are spiritual beings, created to live in friendship with God. In other words, we lose our way.

However, the Bible can shine light as our companion on the pathway and help us to travel with confidence and joy. By speaking the truth to us about God and ourselves, the Bible throws light on our future. As a poet wrote centuries ago in one of the psalms of Israel “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (119:105)

Travelling can be dangerous. You sometimes see those heart rending bunches of flowers by the side of the road—our journey as followers of Jesus is a hazardous journey as well, often leading through hostile territory and we need guidance as we go on this journey. Much of the Bible is simply unintelligible without the assumption of the reality of evil. Those who choose to live as followers of Jesus understand that there are evil powers working in opposition to God and thwarting God’s purposes.

The Bible exposes the schemes and distortions of evil for us—we can see how evil wants to draw us from the love of God. It is interesting to note that Jesus rebuffed every attempt the devil made to deflect him from his purpose by quoting from the Bible.

The truth of God is the best protection from the lies of evil.

We are probably all familiar with owner’s manuals, they’re everywhere, and come with many things we purchase.

I’ve never read one, but I’m told by others that they contain info on how to get used to new acquisition, work its controls, maintain, and solve problems. Usually written by those who created the product, because they know it inside and out.

The Bible is much the same.

It’s a Manual for discipleship…for the “New You” that is being created from the inside out by the Holy Spirit. It has authority because it’s written by the one who created you, and is presently creating the “new you”.

Read what it says about itself in Paul’s letter to Timothy, here: “From childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruction you for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.” – 2 Tim 3:15-17

Now, when Paul said that, he was referring to all of scripture, but of course he only knew about the Old Testament. He was in the process of writing a good chunk of the New Testament at the time, which is now included Holy Scripture!

Question: Which of these three images of the Bible do you need most in your life?