The Bible is much more than an object of academic, cultural and historical interest. It is the living Word of God, which reads us as much we as read it. As Greg Mathis famously said, “I have read the Bible and found many errors, all of which were in me.” Or as Paul Hovey put it, “Men do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them.” And Vernon Grounds said, “many books can inform, but only the Bible can transform”.

God’s Word not only reveals the true condition of our hearts, but also the One who can change our hearts forever. Psalm 119 reminds us that the Scriptures are an unparalleled source of life (v. 37), strength (v. 28), hope (v. 81), wisdom (v. 98) and delight (v. 47). 2 Timothy 3:16,17 points out that the Bible is able to teach, correct, rebuke and train us in righteousness, so that our lives will bring glory to God.

So many people have been transformed by God’s Word. Some of the most cynical and sceptical atheists have ended up being convinced by the truth of the Bible. Hardened criminals, including murderers, rapists, terrorists and others have been convicted of their sinfulness and need of Christ, and have given their lives to Him, made completely new. And countless others from all walks of life have found the Scriptures to be a wonderful source of daily comfort, guidance and assurance.

Yet so often, the Bible remains unopened and gathering dust on bookshelves. To my shame, there have been many times when I skipped reading God’s Word because I simply didn’t make time for it. Contrast that with people like Ahmed Joktan, a former Muslim who came to trust in the Lord Jesus, and then risked his life to smuggle a Bible back in to his home country of Saudi Arabia. That’s someone who knows the value of the Scriptures! May we likewise treasure the Word, and be transformed as we read, trust and obey it each day, in the power of the Spirit.