2010:365:26 The Bible

There's a programme of getting things "sorted" going on at the Rectory these days.  Corner by corner items are finding their way back to their "home".  It is all happening quite slowly but, to the observant, there are definite changes.

Since the Confirmation Class (and that is a while ago!) there has been a pile of Bibles in the drawing room.  This includes various translations as well as Hebrew and Greek testaments.  Some have study notes; others are best described as a paraphrase rather than a translation; but each has a purpose.  Today, they were all assembled in one place (on the lid of the piano as it happens) ready for their journey back to the study upstairs.

biblegateway.com is the other source of biblical text that is with me wherever the computer is.  If I need a concordance it is here right at my fingertips.  For those half-remembered verses it is a superb tool and one that we also shared with the Confirmation young folk.  They, more than any age before, are accustomed to using the computer first in any search; for this reason we felt it important that they be made aware of the rich resources available for those who wish to do Bible study on line.

The verse that I was looking for today (with a remembered word of "waters") is from the book of the prophet Isaiah, chapter forty three and verses two and part of three.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;

when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,

and the flame shall not consume you.

For I am the Lord your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.

Blessed Lord,

who caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning;

help us to hear them,

to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them

that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word,

we may embrace and for ever hold fast

the hope of everlasting life,

which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen.

The Collect of Bible Sunday

The Book of Common Prayer