“I want to know one thing, the way to heaven; and how to land safe on that happy shore. God himself has written it down in a book. O give me that book! At any price, give me the Book of God! I have it: here is knowledge enough for me. Let me be a man of one book!” (Preface to Sermons: John Wesley – 1703-1791)
Buried in the Rubble
Over the past few weeks I’ve been pondering what many refer to as Josiah’s Reforms (2 Kings and 2 Chronicles). King Josiah called for the rebuilding of the Temple. During construction the Priests discovered the Book of the Law buried in the rubble. Reporting the find to the King, Josiah called the nation back to God. He changed his leadership style, re-establishing a covenant with God to lead the people according to His commandments. King Josiah wiped out all the pagan cults and various forms of idolatry in the nation he led.
You could say King Josiah became a man of one book, calling the nation back to the One Book.
The Lord recently stirred in my spirit, “My body is searching for answers in the midst of chaos. They run hither thither searching for hope and direction while the Book of the Law lays buried in the midst of the rubble. In the midst of their worship and many activities, the One Book that leads the way is lost in the rubble and they don’t even know it.”
Addicted to Devices
A disturbing trend has caught on in the body or Christ and many churches. The Bible is lost in the midst of much activity. It’s a subtle thing, and most will defend themselves saying they use the Bible in all they do. But, how often do you actually see a preacher or teacher holding a Bible in their hand while preaching and teaching?
In a society addicted to devices, the body of Christ, with many leaders setting the example, have strayed from the One Book. The Bible has been replaced with copy and paste tools, placing the Scripture of the day into their notes. More time is spent using proof texts as jumping off points for the flavor of the day, instead of using the One Book which contains all the answers to the questions we have.
I started this thought with an excerpt from the Preface to Sermons by John Wesley. I believe the entire passage is well worth the read.
John Wesley: Complete Quote
To candid, reasonable men, I am not afraid to lay open what have been the inmost thoughts of my heart. I have thought, I am a creature of a day, passing through life as an arrow through the air. I am a spirit come from God, and returning to God: just hovering over the great gulf; till, a few moments hence, I am no more seen; I drop into an unchangeable eternity! I want to know one thing,—the way to heaven; how to land safe on that happy shore. God himself has condescended to teach me the way. For this very end He came from heaven. He hath written it down in a book. O give me that book! At any price, give me the book of God! I have it: here is knowledge enough for me. Let me be homo unius libri – “The man of one book”! Here then I am, far from the busy ways of men. I sit down alone; only God is here. In His presence I open, I read His book; for this end, to find the way to heaven.
Is there a doubt concerning the meaning of what I read? Does anything appear dark or intricate? I lift up my heart to the Father of Lights:—“Lord, is it not Thy word, ‘if any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God?’ Thou givest liberally, and upbraidest not. Thou hast said, ‘if any be willing to do Thy will, he shall know.’ I am willing to do, let me know Thy will.”
I then search after and consider parallel passages of Scripture, “comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” I meditate thereon with all the attention and earnestness of which my mind is capable. If any doubt still remains, I consult those who are experienced in the things of God: and then the writings whereby, being dead, they yet speak. And what I thus learn, that I teach. (Preface to Sermons: John Wesley – 1703-1791)
Oh Lord, may we be a people of One Book.
Lord, may I be a person of One Book.
Just a guy on a journey,
Rus