When I was very young I remember visiting my great-grandmother. I was an inquisitive little girl and thought her house was dull and old fashioned. Everything was dark and musty, while my own home was light, airy and modern. One of my abiding memories was the large open Bible placed on the sideboard. This gave me the impression that she was very religious. I loved God in my simple, childlike way so I was interested in the Bible.
I had learned to read and could pick out a few words ‘The Lord is my shepherd,’ and further down the page ‘thou preparest a table before me.’ Strange words, not like the ones I was used to at school.
On my next visit I was anxious to read the next page, but that time and on every future visit, the Bible was open at the same page. When I ran my finger down the page it felt very dusty. Obviously the Bible was there for show and not for use.
When I tried to turn the page, my great grandmother shouted at me. ‘Leave that alone. That is the Holy Word of God.’ How sad! A Bible revered but never read. God’s word is a living word with many gems inside for the discerning reader. An unread Bible with never bring salvation.