Yesterday was a red letter day for Zach. He received his very first Bible at Sunday school. Our church has that tradition–every second grader gets their own Bible. It’s not a children’s Bible or a watered down story Bible. It’s a real, grownup Bible. They learn how to use it, bring it to school if they go to St. Martin, and bring it to Sunday School every week.
What I loved was seeing the joy on Zach’s face. He was so excited to receive his Bible. He was eager to open it up and search for verses. He showed it to everyone he could–my cousin Susan, a pastor friend, his teacher, his dad. He’s hoping that Grandma will send him a Bible cover, just like she did with his brother Ethan.
I remember two years back when Ethan got his Bible and felt the same way. He too, was excited to open up his Bible and search for verses. He remembered his Bible every week. He treasured having his own.
It’s a treasure for me, too. It’s a joy, knowing that we’ve taught our children to love God’s word. To know that this gift–this Bible–is filled with words that will stay with them throughout their lives is the greatest feeling. That a simple gift of God’s word is enough to keep them for all eternity.
It’s humbling for me too. As an adult, I have a busy life. God’s Word is not always my main priority. It’s easy to get into a routine, thinking that I’ve learned as much as I can about the Bible. But seeing my kids open the Bible and search for verses reminds me that I, too, have to take time for God’s word. I need to be eager to devour the words that are inside. Thank God I have my children here to remind me.
People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:14-18
Happy Bible Day to Zach!