One of the books I am reading these days is, “The Cost of Discipleship,” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
I know, I was supposed to read and finish this book long time ago because any disciple of Jesus Christ, especially the one who is involved in a ministry, should read this book first before he/she touches any other book.
Anyways, yesterday night I read one chapter titled, “The Disciple and Unbelievers.” My! My! My!
My friends, you all who strive to follow Jesus Christ should read this book!
One statement from this particular chapter took me one night long to understand it: “Its [the word of God] strength is veiled in weakness.” Did you hear that?
The power and strength of the word of God is veiled in weakness. Bonhoeffer writes: “If they [disciples] do not realize this weakness of the Word, they have failed to perceive the mystery of the divine humility.”
Sure, when we look at our Bibles, they don’t really look as cool as other books that have crowded our study tables and bookshelves. It is just black and thick. And we sometimes pick it up to go to church or just because we have to. We tend to forget that our Bible contains the Word that created the heavens and the earth. Its strength is just veiled in weakness for our own good, so we won’t be wiped away by its power.
But we, followers of Jesus Christ, should know this truth first hand that this Book holds the Word that gives us life. Jesus said, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4) – word that comes from this Book.
When we fall in love with this Book, the Book itself starts following us wherever we go.
Martin Luther said, “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.”
Woah! So true!
The writer of Hebrews says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
As we go deeper and closer to the Book, it comes closer to us and it slowly lets us see its strength and power that is hidden behind the veil.
Let me tell you the good news today then: Your Bible, my friend, the one that you put on your nightstand or bookshelf or under your pillow is alive. It is alive! It is not just a book. It is alive!
Oh, how can I tell you this????? Your Bible is alive!
Don’t let the cover and its simple look deceive you. Your Bible is alive! ///