The recent distribution of Bibles in a small community in Kenya provided the joyful insight to what it means to a child to receive their very own Bible. Lkisomai, a 12-year-old boy, received God’s Word in his own hands, and stated with delight, “My favorite verse is John 3:16. It is great to know that God loves the whole world, including my small community.” Through the simple gift of a children’s Bible, God’s love was on wide display.
The Bible. As Hebrews 12 reminds us, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. For many of us, Bibles appear to abound–on our nightstands, in pews at church, and in every hotel room.Yet, Bibles are not abounding in all countries. It’s a priceless gift we have. By reflecting on God’s word, I also came to realize some truths about God.
God is a giver.
Truth be told, God didn’t have to share His Word with any of us. He didn’t have to communicate His love to fallen man. But He did. Not only did he give his Word, he also gave his son Jesus Christ as an atonement for our sins. His grace is enough for us, and he provides it freely to all who would receive it.
God is the ultimate Giver.
This makes it pretty cool for us to partner up with what He is doing in the nations. With what He is doing in Kenya. All over the world, he is multiplying five loaves of bread and two fish to feed over 5,000. We get to give with Him–holding the baskets of bread as we watch God do the miracles. Whether it is through distributing Bibles, praying for a sponsored child, or financially supporting a sustainable project, we are partnering in God’s work.
God is intimately acquainted with our heart’s desires.
The Psalms have a lot of beauty to share about God’s word. The Psalmist declares, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:13-14).
Psalm 37:4 also gives some insight and states, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” God places those intricate and unique desires in our heart that only He can fulfill. He designed our hearts with intimate and careful precision. Whether your heart desires slow mornings watching the sunrise with coffee in-hand, having a spouse or children, or a desire to be successful in your career, God knows. He knows those desires, because He placed them in the innermost places of your heart.
So next time you wake up in time to see the sunrise you love so much, remember, He did it for you. The next time you see a stroller pass by in the park and wish for your own kids, know that God has not forgotten you. Next time a coworker acknowledges how well you did in that presentation, pass the praise up to God and see the wink in His loving eye. He knows what our hearts desire–even when sometimes we don’t know ourselves.
In Lkisomai’s case, He knew that the little boy’s heart was craving for his own revelation of God’s Word. Even better, if it was the kind of Bible with pictures in it. He knew this young boy would flourish as a young man if he could visually behold these timeless Bible stories, and write God’s word on his heart.
God reigns forever.
Finally, it’s good to know God’s Word has a “forever” aspect to it. His Word is indestructible. No matter how hard some may try to destroy it, His Word remains. And His Word has the power to change a life for good. His Word has the authority to deliver us from evil. Sticking with the Psalms, let’s be reminded of how long-lasting His Word really is, with Psalm 119:89 declaring, “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”
These truths are great to know and provide my heart with tremendous joy every time I know a child receives God’s Word. This is a good and eternal work. It is literally life-giving work. We are privileged to be part of it.
Give the gift of God’s word to a child in poverty, today.
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