But Jesus replied, ‘No! The Bible says that food alone cannot cause people to live. They need to hear every word that God speaks. Then they can really live.’

Matthew 4:4 EASY

My daughter and I perused the books at a local resale shop. She showed me a book she was interested in buying. It was a volume containing the first two books in a series of four books. Excitedly, I brought her the second volume I had seen which contained the remaining two books in the series.

Promptly, my daughter removed the dust cover of the book I had found. The spine was orange. She said, “No, I just want the light blue one.”

“But these are good books by a renowned author,” I told her. “You could have the complete set in two beautiful volumes.”

“I’m not going to read it,” she replied. “I just want a pretty cover to display on my shelves.”

It would be sad if we treated the Bible that way. As just a pretty book that sits on our shelves. No matter how expensive or attractive the outside of the Bible may be, if we don’t open it and read God’s words to us, we get no benefit from it.

Jesus highlighted the importance of God's word when he said, ‘The Bible says that food alone cannot cause people to live. They need to hear every word that God speaks. Then they can really live (Matthew 4:4 EASY).’

At the time Josiah was crowned king of Judah, the people worshiped idols, sacrificed their children, and desecrated the temple of God. The Book of the Law was found and read to the king. 

Josiah was deeply troubled by his and his nation’s sins against God. He repented and vowed to follow God and his word. He read the Book to the people of Judah who also turned to God.

By opening and reading God’s word, lives were changed. The same happens today when we read the Bible and take it to heart.

Lord, change us with your words!

Terri