Tuesday, September 15, 2015
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
BOOK OF MANY USES
Ever heard of Karl Elsener? He lived in Switzerland in latter part of the 19th century. He opened a factory in Ibach, Switzerland, in 1884 for the manufacture of knives and surgical instruments. He was also an inventor. He worked for many years to perfect a military knife, eventually developing an instrument called "the Swiss army knife" (associated with excellence in blades and having a variety of uses). One model includes blades, a saw, a scissors, a magnifying glass, can opener, screw driver, ruler, toothpick, writing pen, and more. If you're camping in the wilds, this single item can make you feel equipped for survival.
We all need a tool to equip us to survive spiritually throughout our time of camping on earth, till we arrive at our heavenly home. God has given us the Holy Bible as a kind of "spiritual Swiss army knife" for our souls. Through the Bible He equips us for our life journey by providing spiritual truth in doctrine, reproof in showing our imperfections, correction by revealing our sinful failures, and instruction in living a righteous life for the praise of our Savior.
There's no more valuable tool than the Bible to equip us for spiritual survival and personal growth. Let's carry it with us and use it faithfully throughout our camping time here.
It shows to us our wand'ring ways And where our feet have trod,
But brings to view the matchless grace Of a forgiving God.
This lamp through all the dreary night Of life shall guide our way
Till we behold the clearer light Of an eternal day.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 285:5-6)
