There is something good about a new Bible. Maybe it’s the way the pages still stick together as if you the reader are the first person to gaze over the pages. Maybe it’s the way the gold edge of the pages shine.
Compared to my old Bible, this new one makes my old one look ancient. On the inside of the Bible, it says it should not be exposed to high humidity, excessive hot or cold temperatures…which pretty much rules out any outside environment in Tennessee.
It is the wide margin Bible I wrote about previously. Initually I got a hardback edition, but the cover screamed “college textbook” instead of the basic black I desired. And just for $5 more, I ended up getting a leather bound Bible.
Bibles were made to be used, so I suppose the newness will gradually wear off, literally if you take into account the gold edges.
Occassionally I’ll glance over my minister’s Bible during Sunday School (I’m fortunate to have him as a teacher). I can see there’s alot of history behind this Bible. Huge portions of text underlined, highlighted, notes in the margins. And I think how much this Bible has been though. From a sermon practically every Sunday to personal Bible studies to merely personal studies. And I think about my old Bible and the history behind it. From those daily Bible classes at Lipscomb, where I first was truly made to study my Bible, to all those weeks at camp…with the heat and humidity. Preparation for a cabin devotional, to studying for a camp wide devotonal….and how I could never find the exact passage I was looking for. Isn’t that always the case in Bible class? Someone will always begin a sentence with “Somewhere in the Bible…I can’t remember the verse it says…” Maybe it will change with the right underlining to it and notations….
I guess in some instances I’m rediscovering the Bible. Maybe its the idea of a new transtion without all the thee’s and thou’s. Maybe its the assurance that I don’t have to use a KJV or NKJV and feel reasonably sure I’m getting an accurate transation and adequate message for my needs.