The value of the Bible as our only rule of faith and practice

They call us the people of the bible. What a privilege! Being the people of the bible means that we sovereignly admit that it is the word of God and has final authority over all things, is trustworthy, sufficient, that its message is clear and cannot be broken ( John 10:35) because it is indestructible and contains the word of eternal life (John 6:68).

The walls were already rebuilt, the people had established themselves in their houses and cities, and Nehemiah had become their political leader. The priest Ezra was already recognized as the religious and spiritual leader of the people, who, as one man, now called him to read the Law of God. Reading the word of God caused tears and dismay. They recognized that God in his word was reminding them of their faults and the need to repent. The leaders of the people and the Levites interpreted the law for him to understand and the entire congregation humbled themselves before God, acknowledging their rebellions in repentance and requesting his mercy (Nehemiah 8 1-9). God was interested in the condition of the hearts of his people, more than in any other matter.

The drama could not be more current. We need again and again to return to the Scriptures to be confronted, to hear from God's pulpit that his word contains everything we need to trust him and obey him from our hearts. Leaders claim and pray for revivals, but there can be no spiritual renewal without confession of sins and obedience to their word. We do not need a cry, but a total and absolute surrender to his will, to engrave the word and embody it in our own lives, extending its influence to the family: “Engrave in your heart these words that I am sending you today. Continually instill them in your children. (Deut 6: 6).

We need the Lord to infuse his Spirit every day in each of his children. Good cheer and joy come from our fellowship with God, from confession and repentance for our sins, from obedience. What is the use of having a bible and not continually seeking the Lord's guidance and direction to live edifying and glorifying lives? Nehemiah, seeing the people sad and fearful of the wrath of God upon hearing his word - a reminder of their disobedience and rebellions - encouraged them: "Do not be sad, for the joy of the Lord is our strength" (Neh 8.10).

The world fills its shelves with manuals and brochures to try to instruct us to live a "good life." There are books for everyone and for everything. Some meet our intellectual expectations, but none can become our rule of faith and practice. The word of God is an unfathomable treasure, an inexhaustible source of truths that we need to learn and engrave in our hearts to live the joy of the Lord. Repentance and confession of sin move the heart of God and impart his forgiveness to us. Such a feeling of his grace leads us to praise and gratitude for his mercy and love. In this world of ruins and abandoned values, the word of the Lord brings light and hope. Let us pray together to be doers of it in the sweet name of Jesus!

God bless you!

Suggested Reading: Nehemiah 8