What Is the Bible?

If I were to ask a hundred people, “What is the Bible,” I would not be surprised if I got a hundred and twenty-five different answers.  The reason for this is because I think that many people will have more than one answer to this question.  In fact, I also have more than one answer to this question.

To me, the Bible is a window to view God, a snapshot of God, an open door to God, a conversation starter with God.  In essence, I’d say the Bible is an invitation to engage God.  And it’s an invitation open to everyone.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re young or old; what class or nationality you belong to; or whether you’re educated or not because the Bible can speak to you right where you are, because the Bible transcends mankind.  In other words, God is different than that all of humanity.

Let me elaborate.  What were your feelings, thoughts, or actions the last time you were insulted?  Humiliated?  Cheated?  Threatened?  Lied to or lied about?  Criticized or verbally abused?  Physically assaulted?  How did your response compare to Jesus, as He was “tempted in all points as we are?”  As He was being treated with contempt, He prayed, “Father, forgive them for they do not what they are doing.”

I’m not sure what you think of these words, but I don’t think this is normal human behavior.  If you were being harmed intentionally, would you think kind and merciful thoughts about the offender?  Probably not.  That would be foolishness.

When I hear Jesus pray, “Father forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing,” It shocks me and I ask the question, “What kind of man is this?”  I mean, when I read the story of Jesus, He “looks” like a man.  He suffers like a man.  He bleeds like a man.  But when I see Him tempted in all points as we are—He does not respond like a man.  Then I see Him die like a man and then buried like a man.

When I read His story, it wouldn’t have surprised me if Jesus’ prayer on the cross was etched on His tombstone because it was a very noble act.  However, it’s not because there is no tombstone to be found because He has risen from the dead.  Instead, we are told to gather around a table and eat bread and drink wine as His memorial.   This gathering around His suffering should remind us that no matter how much drama and trauma there is in our lives, Jesus is alive in the Presence of the Father. And as He prayed for those around the cross, He is still interceding for us in our behalf and will continue to do so until the Holy Spirit brings us home safely.