finding comfort in ancient words

I watched the film Tolkien the other weekend. It charts the early life of one the most celebrated authors of the twentieth century, JRR Tolkien…and one of my heroes! Towards the end of the film we find Tolkien recovering from trench fever in a field hospital, having survived the horrors of the Battle of the Somme in WW1. As he walks the wards with a priest he asks what he says to those who have suffered bereavement and terrible injury. The priest replies that “words are of little comfort, at least modern words are. I speak the liturgy. There is comfort in distance, in ancient things.” I like that! There is comfort in ancient things. That’s partly why I seek to make the Bible a key part of my daily life. It contains ancient wisdom for life in the 21st century.  However, that is less than half the story of what makes the Bible such a unique and indispensable part of the lives of Jesus’ followers. 

For a fuller appreciation of the the relevance of the Bible I have found particular help in what the Westminster Confession of Faith says about it. Reaching back to the 16th century this statement has helped generations of believers grasp the central tenets of the Christian faith. 

Two quotes about the Bible stand out. Firstly, the 66 books which make up the Scriptures are “given by inspiration of God, to be the rule of faith and life.” In light of that we must have a “high and reverent esteem of Holy Scripture”. 

How can we achieve this in ordinary circumstances of life?

Earlier this month I was reacquainted with Ezra, one of the lesser know figures of the Bible. He played a key role in the Israelites returning from exile in Babylon. Of him Scripture says, “Ezra devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel” (Ezra 7:10)

Ezra encourages us to adopt three postures when it comes to the Bible.

First, ponder

“Ezra devoted himself to the study…of the Law of the Lord”

It is a useful habit to mull over and contemplate what we read in Scripture. The more we do that the more we will find that other scriptures will come to mind and will provide insight into what we read.

Second, practice

“Ezra devoted himself to the…observance of the Law of the Lord”

Jesus taught his first disciples that “if you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15). A mark of true devotion in the Christian life is not how much we know about Scripture but how much we are willing to put into practice.

Third, proclaim 

“Ezra devoted himself…to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel”

We can bless others in the faith by sharing what we have learned from Scripture and have sought to live out in our daily lives.

Ponder…Practice…Proclaim the ancient words of Scripture.

Holy words long preserved

For our walk in this world

They resound with God's own heart

Oh let the ancient words impart

(Robin Mark)

(Picture - Stewartfield Loch, East Kilbride)