A Broken Lens

Galileo is famous for his invention of the telescope, but the most famous telescope is named for astronomer Edwin Hubble. NASA launched the space telescope and observatory in 1990. The 7.9 foot mirror took 20 years to build and cost $1.5 billion.

And it failed.

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The Bible is a collection of writings by many men, inspired by God over the course of centuries to teach and equip God's people. "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16

But it's not magic. It cannot impart its wisdom by osmosis. You will not gain an ounce of wisdom if the Bible sits on the shelf. The Bible must be read.

Many people wonder what kind of wisdom the Bible can share today, in our world of technology, ethical medical questions, and social ills. How can a book, or collection of writings, from thousands of years ago have any implications for us today?

Firstly, the Bible can renew and transform your mind. The world we live in is filled with heartache and pain. Christians would be lying to themselves if they said otherwise. This heartache wears us down, and it's the hope found in the Word of God that will renew our spirit. The Bible will remind us we are loved, accepted, and made whole.

Secondly, the Bible will reminds us of God's commandments so that we do not sin. Psalm 119:9-12 “How can a young man keep his behavior pure? By guarding it in accordance with your word. I have sought you with all of my heart; do not let me drift away from your commands. I have stored what you have said in my heart, so I won’t sin against you. Blessed are you, LORD! Teach me your statutes.” Satan constantly whispers in our ears, and his strongest argument does not tell us to disregard God's Word completely. That would be easy for us to identify. Instead, he uses the same tactic he used in the Garden; he says, "God did really say that, did He?" For a split second, we waver. Did God really say that? Reading the Bible regularly allows us to identify Satan's lies for what they are.

Perhaps you're not facing hardships right now, but someone in your circle may be. Reading the Word prepares you to share encouragement with others. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Because of this, comfort one another and build one another up just as you have done.”

Some people in your circle need encouragement, and some may have questions. 1 Peter 3:14-16 "...sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.”

In addition to renewing our minds and helping us identify Satan's lies, reading the Bible regularly will encourage us when we face hardships and affliction. Joshua 1:9 “I have commanded you, Be strong and courageous! Don’t tremble or be terrified, because the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” God doesn't promise a life free of hardship, but He promises He will never leave us.

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Hubble's telescope took 20 years to build, and NASA contracted with several companies to build it, at a total of $1.5 billion. NASA placed the telescope in orbit, to allow a view of outer space without the distortion of the Earth's atmosphere, a problem terrestrial observatories must deal with. Hubble was designed to take high-resolution photographs and send them electronically back to earth.

But in the first minutes after the aperture was opened, scientists realized something was very wrong. All the images were distorted and blurry.

One of the contracted companies had mis-ground the mirror. Their instruments defied the truth; all of their measurements were accurate.

Until someone realized the measuring rod was off by millimeters. The mirror was wrong because the measuring rod was wrong.

Every decision we make is unconsciously or consciously compared to a measuring rod. If we use the wrong measuring rod, all of our decisions will be wrong, even though they look right.

The Bible is our measuring rod. Everything else will deviate from the true.