It is often thought that the Bible is one book written by one author, but that’s not the case. The Bible can be compared to a library with different books on the shelves, which can be divided into two main sections. 

The first section, which consists of 39 books, is the Old Testament, telling the story of God’s journey with His people Israel. The first section is called the Torah or the law. The prophetic books tell the story of God and His people as described by the prophets, almost like a history book. These are supplemented by the prophets’ poetic books. 

The last group of books on the Old Testament shelf in the Bible library are called scriptures and contain poetic and wisdom books and a few stories or story books. The Jews believed that God spoke to them through these books. 

The New Testament’s shelf has 27 books on it that tell Jesus’ story. First, through the four Gospels, Jesus’ journey together with His disciples here on earth is told step by step through the eyes of four different authors. 

Next are the letters by Paul, Peter, John, etc. written to the young Christians to guide them on how to live in the new world. Many of these letters give practical advice on how to cope with daily challenges. 

Some other books are very similar to the books in the Bible’s library but were not allowed in the library. These are called the Apocryphal books and are accepted by some, such as the Roman Catholic church, as part of their Bible. 

The books in the Bible were written over more than a thousand years. In the fifteen hundreds, during the Reformation, a decision was made, and only the 66 books, as we know them today, were allowed in the Bible’s library. 

One golden thread runs through all these books written over all these years, God’s involvement with His people. So, how was it possible for this library with the golden thread to come into being? 

God! God is the author. God worked through different people and spoke to them through His Spirit to write down all the words. That’s the reason why it’s the greatest bestseller ever. If it wasn’t inspired by God, people would’ve figured it out long ago and left it on the shelves gathering dust. 

That’s exactly what Peter says. In a way, he underlines the authorship of all the books in the Bible’s library: 20The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You’ll do well to keep focusing on it. It’s the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts. 21The main thing to keep in mind here is that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private opinion. And why? Because it’s not something concocted in the human heart. Prophecy resulted when the Holy Spirit prompted men and women to speak God’s Word. 

I understand why older people are upset when you put something down on the Bible. It’s a holy book. It’s the Word of God. These are the words of God for each of us today to help us journey through life. Let us, therefore, visit the library every day and read the books, so that they can shape us and learn how we should live life today.  

Scripture
2 Peter 1:16-21  

Reflection
Do you believe that God inspired the Bible?
Do you read God’s Word enough?
Do you do what God’s Word says? 

Prayer
Father, yes, I believe that You inspired the Bible. I believe that it is Your Word. Help me to spend more time in it and allow it to direct my life. Amen.