Mother’s Union Devotion Bible Sunday 24th October 2021

Collect for Bible Sunday

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning; Help us so to hear them, to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that through patience and the comfort of your holy word, we may embrace and for ever hold fast the hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

 

This is one of my favourite collects because it gives us a sense of the sheer depth of wisdom, wonder and Word contained in the Bible. Each time we read or listen to a passage of Scripture we find something new. A fact we have not noticed before. A new angle to ponder. A different character’s voice speaking to us. A new direct call from God which speaks into our current situation. It is not just a simple book which we read once racing to the end in order to find out Whodunit, which one did she choose or did they live happily ever after. The Bible contains many different books which call us to think deeply about the world. How it should be. What is its and our purpose here. It is a series of books which has the power to change the world. To end the suffering of countless millions. It has power beyond our imagining because it contains the living Word of God.

Over the pandemic the Bible has had such a renewed place in our hearts and minds because we have had the time to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest all they have to tell us. We have been able to take a passage and ruminate on its meaning. And what we have discovered is just how similar our fears, frustrations, grief, loneliness and sense of exile is to that of the people whose lives are described in the Bible. Be it the wandering Israelites, the lamenting prophets, the conquered Jewish people, or the unclean sick and ostracised individuals who come to Jesus for healing. So, we, like them, give thanks to the Word for guiding us through our own particular challenges in life.

 

The Victorian Preacher Charles Spurgeon wrote “Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years.” A sentiment we can certainly echo after all we have been through recently. May we always continue to make space for the Bible to expand and deepen within us.

With all my love and Prayers,

Revd Sandra