As the best-selling book of all-time, the Bible’s presence is ubiquitous in many countries. Yet, how many Bibles are gathering dust on our bookshelves?
In other places, such as Macedonia, there may not be as many Bibles present, but the book is still held at an arm’s length for many. A listener from Macedonia, shared this with us recently:
I love listening to Pastor S on the radio. His messages have made me curious to read the Bible. I always had a Holy Book in my house to give us luck but I never thought of it as the Book of Life. This is how Pastor S refers to the Bible often. I try to follow Pastor S and read my Bible. I can say that my life has changed. I’m more conscious of my words and actions since I began listening to the program on the radio. I am convinced now that Bible is the book of life.
This listener reminds us of many families in more religious regions, such as the Balkans or the Middle East, where there is an aura of superstition and respect around holy books – particularly the Bible or the Koran. Often, the holy book is displayed prominently for visitors to see. The book itself is usually ornate and could be worth several months’ salary.
Many Bibles around the world, whether they are gathering dust on a bookshelf in the west or sitting pretty on a showcase in North Macedonia, are not being used.
But as Pastor S is teaching, the Bible is not a pretty, decorative book which gives us good luck. It is Word of God, living and active, and it contains the message of life. As we open its pages and engage its contents, we encounter the Lord Himself. Praise God that more people are unlocking this immense potential by opening the pages of the Bible.
One of the advantages of media broadcast is that it engages listeners in the course of everyday life, perhaps while we are cleaning our homes, commuting to work, or relaxing after a meal. Otherwise, the Word of God could be sitting idly on our bookshelves for years. May there be many listeners like our friend whose hearts are opened and are convinced that the Bible is indeed the Book of Life!