This week’s devotions are based on the Week 6 “Explore God” – Is the Bible Reliable? (WATCH HERE)
Is the Bible reliable?
This past week, one of our water heaters went out. It needed to be replaced and fortunately a friend from church who is a master plumber was willing to install it for us.
The water has been reliable since we moved in almost 7 years ago and was new 9 years ago. Would I say it was reliable?
Until last week.
It heated the water and we enjoyed warm showers and baths for 7 years. Our clothes were washed in hot water and anytime hot water was needed, the water heater provided it.
Until it didn’t.
How long does something have to work to be classified as “reliable?”
Reliable means you can depend or count on something to do what it claims without restrictions as to the time it is able to function.
So what makes the Bible something we can depend on, trust, and count on to bring impact indefinitely into the future?
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”[b] 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
For Peter, the question of reliability was solved by what he witnessed in Jesus Christ. The prophecies were great. However, having the reality of Jesus is what sealed the deal. The prophesies were fulfilled in Jesus. The voice of God confirmed the reality of Jesus as his Son. What made the words of the Bible so reliable is that they weren’t words of men, but words of God.
There was no doubt in Peter’s mind that the Words of God were completely reliable. One coil depend on each one of them not only for life and for eternity.
In this week’s devotions we’ll look at more evidence as to the reliability of the Bible. For today, let it be an encouragement that the words of the BIble are not cleverly invented stories, but rather the words of the unchanging, reliable God.
Apply: What makes something reliable in your mind?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us a book of all your words that is completely reliable! AMEN