Fire Extinguishers And Bibles

Luke 16:24 – Then he cried and said, "Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame." (NKJV)

We moved into the house that we are living in now just over three years ago and we saw that there were smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in various places throughout the house. Due to the fact that our minds were totally set on getting moved and settled, I did not pay much attention to them until one of them started talking to us in the middle of the night. It was hard to understand at first, but then, I deciphered the words "low battery". It was a warning that the battery needed to be replaced.

After that, I wondered where our fire extinguisher was, and after some looking around, we came to the conclusion that we had not brought it from the old house. It was on a bracket in the hallway down to the basement, and we had apparently left it there. So, I went to the hardware store and bought a new one. It is on a shelf in a closet next to the kitchen, just in case we need it.

Having read some recent letters to the editor about the irrelevancy of the Bible, and after having discussed this with some people, we concluded that the Bible, too, is left on a shelf quite often, there in case of an emergency. But that should not be the case, because after all:

Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (NKJV)

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NKJV)

As I read and study the Bible, I am daily amazed at the wonderful stories, the dire warnings, the instructive history, the valiant struggles of the early believers, the exciting promise of a place in heaven, and the words of comfort for us here on earth. There is also the concept that faith and belief in God's Word can extinguish the possibility of being exposed to the fires of hell for those who put their trust in Christ. Would that more people would read, learn from, and believe the words of Scripture. Allowing the Bible to sit on a shelf, collecting dust until it is needed like a fire extinguisher, is not the answer.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we realize that there are so many people who know about Your Word, but just don't take the time to read it. It is our sincere prayer that more will feel the need to read Your Word and that through it, Your blessing will be upon them. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.

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