A Day-by-day devotional

January 31, 2023

Not a Book but a Library

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Exodus 19-20

Scripture of the Day: Acts 17:11

Whenever I hold a bible in my hand, I am not just holding a book. I am holding a library. With over 60 books penned by around 40 different authors, the bible is truly a gem of a library.

I had been to some extremely beautiful libraries. The interior architecture of the national library in Vienna as well as the long room at the Trinity College in Dublin will leave anyone in awe. The walls are plastered with ceiling to floor shelves of books. Meanwhile, with the enormity of Boston’s public library, an entire half of the day would not suffice to explore all floors and sections.

In comparison, the bible is a mini-library. It doesn’t possess any intricate, elaborately designed architecture, nor a size too huge to get familiar with. What it lacks in physical style and dimensions, it compensates through significance and content. The books of this mini-library contain narratives that are not only powerful and compelling but also life changing. On top of it all, they reveal the truth!

The bible instructs, comforts, advises, confers knowledge, and guides, among a multitude of others (Hebrews 4:12). If I can hold this interesting library in my hand, it means it’s not a giant of a library. If it isn’t that big of a library, it wouldn’t be impossible for me to read it. All it takes is a little of our time to read it gradually and assimilate what it wants to speak to us. It is not in what it contains that we have eternal life; but in Him to whom the contents testify – Jesus Christ (John 5:39).

Reflection: Do you, despite your busy schedule, take time to read the mini-library called the bible?

Prayer: Thank you, heavenly Father, for giving us the Bible to serve as our guidance. Help me understand and cement in my heart, the significance of it in my life. Amen.