"Precious Bible"

The BibleVisit website is the home of the traveling historical Sauer Bible, the first Bible to be printed in America in the German language, in 1743. As the early Church of the Brethren churches were mostly German immigrants, the Sauer Bible was the Bible in use as worship services were usually held in German. The website gives an interesting history about this Bible and the father and son team who printed it, Christopher Sauer, Sr. and Christopher Sauer, Jr. A 1776 edition of the Bible has been on tour at various Brethren congregations to share its history and to encourage renewal and unity among the Brethren as they remember their heritage.

I found some interesting lyrics to an early Brethren hymn.

1. Precious Bible! What a treasure does the Word of God afford;
All I want for life or pleasure, food and medicine, shield and sword,
Let the world account me poor; having this, I need no more.

Having been through a recent period of trial and tribulation, I rediscovered for myself how precious the Bible is to me. When I was admitted to a hospital ward with only the clothes on my back -- a hospital gown from one hospital and a pair of hospital scrub pants from a second hospital -- and one pair of jeans and a t-shirt in a grocery sack, I felt like I was as close to being without material possessions as I have ever been. I was relieved to find a Bible in my hospital room. Being able to read the Word helped me face a situation that was difficult and frightening at first.

3. When my faith is faint and sickly, or when Satan wounds my mind;
Cordials to revive me quickly, healing medicines here I find;
To the promises I flee, each affords a remedy.

4. In the hour of dark temptation, Satan cannot make me yield;
For the word of consolation is to me a mighty shield;
While the scripture-truths are sure, from his malice I'm secure.

While I am thankful for the help of modern prescription medication, I also find healing in the Word. I thought these last couple of verses were interesting. I liked the particular wording of the third verse which says "when Satan wounds my mind", and responds with how the promises of the Bible are a healing medicine and a remedy.

The modern church doesn't expound so often about Satan as it did in the past, so these verses may seem quaint and antiquated. But, as someone who has suffered from the blackness of depression, I find some strength in being able to see the depression and the thoughts of despair which came from it as being thoughts of illness, falseness, and death. Satan is the father of lies, and if he can get in our minds and make us feel inferior, useless, and hopeless then it is a victory for him. But, my spirit cries out, "Jesus is my victor!" I am weak, but Jesus is my source of strength, and I will take refuge in my faith in God. Meditating on the promises of the Bible refreshes my spirit, and the Word of God is my spiritual sword!

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, let us remember the Biblical heritage of our spiritual ancestors. May our spirits find renewal, healing, strength, and victory in your precious Word. Thank you for the gift of your Son, the Living Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.