Bad Glue

Not too long ago I bought a new Bible, wrote notes in it as I studied and was thoroughly enjoying it. One day as I was studying, I watched as this Bible slid off a stack of books on to the floor. When I picked it up, a major portion of the book of Revelation had fallen out, detached and no longer attached to the binding. I was so hoping there wasn’t a hidden meaning to the fact that I had lost Revelation out of my Bible.

When I spoke to a book binder about re-attaching Revelation she stated that the problem had been ‘bad glue’. It had dried out too soon and weakened its hold on the now detached pages. It was going to be cheaper to buy a new Bible, which is what I did. And because my old Bible wasn’t that old, I decided to transfer the notes from the old one into the new one. As I was doing so I found myself on a journey, being refreshed by reviewing the story of our God and His amazingly persevering love for His people.

Experiencing this journey allowed me to be deeply moved and changed again by the realisation of His love, His broken heart, His constant provision and protection, His relentless pursuit, and the intensity of His emotions for them. Even His anger was a consistent expression of His love for them. We don’t get angry with people we don’t have strong emotions about. And anyone who describes the inscription of names on the palm of His hands can’t be describing a passing fancy.

As upset as I was when the pages came out of my Bible, I found myself being overwhelmingly grateful for ‘bad glue’, grateful as well that this story is my story as I have become one of ‘His people’. Are you one of His people?

Prayer: Father God, I’m humbled by the power of Your love for us. Thank You for Your Word that so clearly tells of Your everlasting care for us. May our lives bring the message of Your love to this dark world. Amen.