God's remarkable word

Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in heaven. — Psalm 119:89

The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947 has been called the greatest archaeological find of the 20th century. The ancient manuscripts hidden in the caves near Qumran are the oldest known copies of key Old Testament books. In 2007, the San Diego Natural History Museum hosted an exhibition featuring 24 of these scrolls. One often-repeated theme in the exhibit was that during the past 2,000 years the text of the Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament) has remained virtually unchanged.

Followers of Christ who believe that the Bible is the eternal, unchanging Word of God find more than coincidence in this remarkable preservation. The psalmist wrote: “Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations” (119:89-90). Jesus said: “My words will by no means pass away” (Matt. 24:35).

The Bible is more than a historical relic. It is the living, powerful Word of God (Heb. 4:12), in which we encounter the Lord and discover how to live for Him and honor Him. “I will never forget Your precepts,” the psalmist concluded, “for by them You have given me life” (119:93). — David McCasland

I have a companion, a wonderful guide,

A solace and comfort whatever betide;

A friend never-failing when others pass by,

Oh, blessed communion, my Bible and I. — Knobloch

READ: Psalm 119:89-96

To know Christ, the Living Word, is to love the Bible, the written Word.

The Bible in one year:

• Amos 1-3

• Revelation 6