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Family Bible Readings

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 13, 1913

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 11.

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Family Bible Readings

By Jennie Thayer

The beauty of the Bible consists in its perfect adaptation to the needs of humanity. It meets the wants of all classes in the most varied circumstances of life. It brings instruction to the ignorant, reproof to the erring, pardon to the penitent; promises a way of escape to the tempted, light to those who are in darkness, strength to the weak, rest to the heavy-laden, riches to the poor, love to the outcast, friends to the friendless, a Father to the fatherless, health to the sick, life to the dead; gives courage to the faint-hearted, hope to the despondent, comfort to the sorrowing, bread to the hungry, and water of life to the thirsty.
Every individual, however weak, sinful, tried, tempted, perplexed, persecuted, or cast down, can come to its pages, and find the help he needs. Here he learns of that Saviour who has been tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin; who died that we might live, and ever liveth to make intercession for us. Here he finds a God of infinite love and mercy, who tenderly cares for even the least of his creatures. Here he finds the hope of eternal life in the world restored to its Eden beauty, and freed from all traces of the blight of sin; and here he reads the rules that must direct his life in order that he may be fitted to enjoy this world of purity and holiness. Yet how few, even of those who profess to prize the Sacred Volume, realize what a treasure-house of blessings it opens to them, and what beauty and harmony there are in its teachings when rightly understood.
Ever since Satan's first lie to the human race in Eden, he has continued the work of leading man to believe that God's Word is not to be relied upon, that he does not tell the truth, and therefore we should not be careful to obey him. Those whom he can not deceive in this way, he endeavors to persuade that God is so particular and exacting with the creatures of his hand that it is useless to ask for mercy at his throne of justice. Thus he labors to secure the souls for whom Christ died, and who, did they know the true character of God, would not listen to these suggestions of the enemy.
The Bible is the revelation of God's character, and it is by studying its teachings that man may become acquainted with his Maker. We who have received light from its pages have a special responsibility resting upon us to show to others what a wonderful book God has given to an unappreciative world, to teach them the truths that have long been hidden by the sophistry of error, and to reveal to them the character of God as it shines forth in his Word in marked contrast to the representations of Satan. It should be our daily study to know how we can do this acceptably to him whose we are and whom we serve.
In our association with our fellow men, we have an opportunity to become acquainted with their wants, and to call their attention to the passages of Scripture in which they will be likely to take an interest, and from which they may derive comfort and instruction. Surely in the thirty thousand promises of the Bible we can find plenty that will apply to every one who is in need; and by bringing these to their notice, we may awaken an interest to engage in the study of the Scriptures.
When going out to call upon our neighbors, we should ask God's blessing upon our visit, that we may indeed be a help to them, and also select a few texts that we think will be likely to meet their wants. We should endeavor to direct the conversation in such a way that they will desire to know what precious promises there are in the Word of God for them, and get them to read those promises from the Bible with us. We should not continue the reading till they become weary, but should close while their interest is at its height, and suggest that we will consider other scriptures in which they are interested, at some future time.
All this while, we should be lifting our hearts to God for wisdom and guidance, and praying that the Holy Spirit may enable the reader to see new beauty in the Sacred Word. The reading should be conducted in a manner calculated to make a serious impression upon all present, and if circumstances are favorable, it may be well to have a short prayer at its close. As we continue the readings, and consider subjects that the people are not so ready to accept, it sometimes gives them confidence in the work to have the prayer before the reading, asking that God will direct us in our search for truth, and will give us a right understanding of the question under consideration.
With great care, by noticing the ideas that seem to strike them the most favorably, we should seek to lead them on from subject to subject till they acquire a love for the study of the Bible, till they begin to comprehend the character of God, to understand that he is not an arbitrary Ruler but a loving Father, that the laws he has given to govern mankind are for their best good and must be obeyed, and that every word of God is more enduring than the “everlasting hills.”
When they have reached this point, they are prepared to read upon subjects that would previously have aroused their prejudice, and closed their ears to the truth. But even then, heavenly wisdom is needed to know how to present what are considered unpopular truths so that they will have a converting influence.
It may not be best to pursue the same course with any two individuals. A text that contains a most valuable lesson for one, will perhaps convey little meaning to another of a different nature who has had a different experience. We must make each person a special subject of study and prayer, and rely upon the Holy Spirit to lead our minds to just those passages that we can impress upon the hearts of the individuals for whom we are laboring. God has said that his word shall not return unto him void, but shall accomplish that which he pleases, and shall prosper in the thing wherein he sends it; and if we are laboring for him, guided by his Spirit, we may have confidence that the scriptures we present to the people will not be lost upon them.
At first it may be difficult to get those whom we visit to read from the Bible. Many are so unfamiliar with the Book that they can not readily turn to the passages, and may feel embarrassed at having their ignorance exposed to one who is better acquainted with it. Where a reluctance to take part in the reading is manifested, and we have reason to suppose that this may be the cause, we can mention the fact that it is not easy for most persons to find the different books, and on announcing the texts, state in what part of the Bible each book is located. We should plan to get them to read for themselves, as a more lasting impression will be made than if we do the reading.
We must not be discouraged by seeming failures; but seeking the aid of the Holy Spirit, endeavor to learn wherein we have not pursued a wise course, and lay skilful plans for renewed effort. Thus an excellent opportunity will be afforded us to develop tact, courage, faith, and perseverance. God has promised to give wisdom liberally to those who ask in faith, and he will fulfil the promise to all who comply with the conditions.
This is a work in which every lover of the Bible can have a part. None are excused because they have had no experience. If that were an excuse for idleness, few would ever gain an experience. Neither should want of talent lead us to hesitate about engaging in the work. “Men with one talent may reach a class that those with two or five talents can not approach.” God has given “to every man his work,” and “if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.”
We are to be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh us a reason of the hope that is in us, and as this hope is based upon the Scriptures, is it not most appropriate that the answer should be in the form of a Bible reading? God has said that his word shall not return unto him void, but he has nowhere given a similar promise concerning our words.
One “Thus saith the Lord” sent home to the heart by his Spirit, will have more power to convert a soul to the truth than a thousand arguments from the most logical men. It is true that we might quote the texts showing the reason of our hope, but they would be less forcible than when read directly from the Word of God.
The number of our people who can leave their homes and take a course of instruction in Bible readings, with a view to devote their time to this branch of the work, is small; but if each one would prepare his heart by seeking God and taking lessons of the Great Teacher, and would improve every opportunity to magnify his Word before the world, might we not look for great results?
JENNIE THAYER.