ODJ: outdated?

July 19, 2013 

READ: Psalm 19:1-14 

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple(v.7 NIV).

In 2012, Encyclopaedia Britannica declared that information has been changing so rapidly that their encyclopaedias were quickly outdated. So instead of focusing on physical books, they’ve made the decision to focus on digital editions. “A printed encyclopaedia is obsolete the minute that you print it,” said the president of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Whereas our online edition is updated continuously.”

The Bible is a very ancient book, filled with information. Genesis was written some 3,500 years ago, and Revelation, the last book of the Bible, was written around 95 ad. God’s Word is also the world’s most printed book. And, increasingly, the Bible has been published in digital formats. But the Bible is never in need of updating. It’s never obsolete!

David declared, “The law of the LORD is perfect” (Psalm 19:7 NIV). He reflected the reality that God has revealed Himself to mankind through His created works (vv.1-6) and His spoken Word (vv.7-14). Warren Wiersbe writes, “The heavens declare God’s glory, and the Scriptures declare His grace.”

God’s Word is filled with perfect instructions and changeless truths. It revives the soul, giving insight for right living (vv.7-9). God’s Word is pleasant and delightful, precious and valuable, nourishing and refreshing, rewarding and satisfying (v.10) and will keep the believer from sinning (v.13, 119:11).

Because of technological developments, the Bible will increasingly come to us in its new digital media. But because God’s Word is perfect, and will not become obsolete, it doesn’t need updating. It’s therefore reliable and trustworthy! (Psalm 12:6, 119:140; Proverbs 30:5).—K.T. Sim