January 6

A Bible Worth Dying For

May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance (2 Thessalonians 3:5). And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands (2 John 6).

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5; 2 John 4-11

Song: “How Firm a Foundation”

William Tyndale thought reading the Bible was worth dying for. He was a priest in the 16th century who was brilliant with languages. He was convinced and dedicated to the idea that the people of England should be able to read the Bible for themselves, so he began to translate it from Greek and Hebrew into English. This was against the law at the time so Tyndale traveled Europe while translating Scripture in order to avoid arrest . . . for nine years. In 1536 he was strangled and burned at the stake as a heretic.

Tyndale knew that reading God’s Word is important for God’s people to be equipped to walk in truth and in obedience to Christ’s commands. Of course, this means having the Scriptures in the language each person understands. Reading the Bible regularly gives us strength to obey, confidence in God’s love, and allows us to recognize false teaching. Even if it’s only a few verses, make time today to read and study God’s Word, starting with today’s passages.

Father God, thank You for the availability of Your Word and the freedom to read it. Help me to obey Your command to walk in love and to continue in the teaching of Christ. In Christ’s name I pray, amen.