6-23-25<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Bible is the Eternal Word of the Everlasting God, supremely relevant to all peoples in all places at all times. Yet as the last written words were recorded about 2000 years ago, there are a few perceived anomalies. \u2028\u2028I am talking about language, vocabulary, grammar, and syntax\u2026 not the Book\u2019s theology. I was privileged to be part of the editorial team on the 1599 Geneva Bible project, the first updated-language printing of the Bible that the Pilgrims brought to the New World, and that the Founders read; not the King James Version. Even at that, virtually the only changes were Thee<\/em>s and Thou<\/em>s (and \u201cbreeches\u201d for Adam\u2019s fig leaf). That\u2019s all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart<\/em> (Hebrews 4:12).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yet, as I said, there are anomalies, or certain hurdles that might present themselves. None is major. Even if children never have met a lamb, they can understand what a shepherd\u2019s job is, for instance. Men in Biblical times wore robes. Travel was by foot, or perhaps horses, donkeys, or camels. \u201cWhy did the Bible stop being written after Jesus?\u201d Well, Jesus is the \u201crevealed Word of God\u201d \u2013 He came to fulfill Scriptures, and the Holy Spirit inspires, guides, and supplants what needed to be written in the earlier dispensation of God.\u2028\u2028(In this regard, I laughed at a conversation this week between two of my wife\u2019s sons. Talking about ghost-writing \u2013 which I am doing for a book \u201cby\u201d a former Trump adviser \u2013 they deconstructed the term and agreed that the Bible was written by many men but basically was ghost-written itself: Holy Ghost-Written<\/em>. Can\u2019t argue with Robbie. Or Marcus, for that matter.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the terms that still do make sense but whose use, today, are almost obsolete are the names<\/em> of God. Ironic. But stick with me:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We still have kings these days. Some are august and serene, projecting a sort of authority. I am thinking of Abdulla of Jordan; and, maybe, King Mswati III of Eswatini. No offense to Mswati, if I may be familiar, but except for my friend Becky Spencer, who has established wonderful missions projects there, I would not be able to find that king or kingdom on a globe. Then there are monarchs we know better, like Charles of the \u201cUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland\u201d whose vast realm includes the commonwealth nations of St Vincent & the Grenadines, and some place called Tuvalu. \u2028\u2028Some monarchs are called \u201cmajesties\u201d but they do not always reflect majesty or even \u201chighness.\u201d The aforementioned Charles, for instance, is an admitted adulterer, despite his job description as head of the Church of England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nevertheless, the Bible refers to kings \u2013 humans on thrones \u2013 but also Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. God and Jesus are bestowed other descriptions and titles throughout Scripture: Potentate (I Timothy 6:15); Cornerstone; Deliverer; Elect; First Witness; Heir Of All Things; Alpha and Omega; Horn of Salvation; Lawgiver; Light Of the World; Mediator; Mighty One; Morningstar; Redeemer; Rose of Sharon; Shiloh; Great Witness; Truth; True Light\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, some of these terms and titles are Scriptural: theological descriptions of names that had been prophesied. Often they are for our edification in later church ages. If Jesus lived today and had a cell phone, I doubt He would have recorded a message, \u201cHi. This is the Light Of the World. I\u2019m not in right now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a serious point in here, somewhere. Readers in the 21st century \u2013 let us say youngsters, or people around the world, encountering the Gospel for the first time \u2013 might not easily identify with \u201ckings\u201d and \u201cmajesties\u201d since those professions are reaching their titles\u2019 expiration-dates. But, would it do to substitute modern equivalencies? What would they be today? \u2013 Boss; Chief; General; CEO; Prime Minister; Prez; Chairman\u2026? God sort of is<\/em> our Boss. Jesus is<\/em> a kind of Chairman. But\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n These otherwise normal cultural evolutions add to the gaggle of factors that make faith difficult. No: these things do not make faith difficult to acquire or embrace or exercise; they only oblige us all (and those we nurture) to study more, understand better, and invite the entitety of God\u2019s Word into our hearts. The Holy Spirit will help us \u201cget it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recently this became even more of a relevant question because of a brand-new protest meme, \u201cNo Kings.\u201d (It can be called \u201cAstroturf\u201d and not a \u201cGrass-Root\u201d movement because it is artificial, managed, and PR-directed.) Our president is charged with harboring monarchical ambitions, while of course he is rather shrinking the size and influence of government. This illustrates, however, that kings \u2013 who they are; what they can do \u2013 are becoming abstract concepts. Trump’s predecessors acted far more arbitrarily than he has. MAGA, at its core, is about Restoration, not Revolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But in the meantime, let us keep in mind that God is on His throne. That is where kings sit. And you can address \u201cKing Jesus,\u201d or call Him \u2013 oh, I don\u2019t know \u2013 maybe \u201cthe Best Friend You\u2019ll Ever Have.\u201d Good title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is He \u201cLord\u201d of your life, whatever that is? Claim it. And some day think about all the names and titles Heaven has for you<\/em>: Beloved; Child; Disciple; Saint; Follower; Son; Daughter; Redeemed; Forgiven; Saved\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n + + +<\/p>\n\n\n\n