December 2023

A New Sword

For Christmas, my wife got me a Bible.  Not just any Bible, but a leather-bound NIV 1978 edition.  It’s the edition I grew up with, the one I preach and teach from, the one I read from.  It’s in perfect shape with no cracking on the leather, no wear on the gilding, no writing inside anywhere.  My Bible of 43 years is showing its age.  I’m not concerned about the years of page handling showing on the margins nor the gilding that is wearing off.  But the leather on the spine is finally cracking through in places and that worries me.  I can’t retire it – it’s been too good of a friend.  But its travelling days may be over.

Many people ask me, “What version of the Bible should I get?”  I obviously have opinions, but not of the kind you may think.  You see, I could get a 1984 NIV edition, or a 2011, but they are different from the 1978.  That’s my main problem.  In my head, I’ve got 1978.  When I read from the 1984 or the 2011, I trip up.  Think of it this way – the word of God is sharper than any double-edged sword, something we are to take up and use.  I’m simply going to use one I’m used to more effectively than one I’m not used to.  Now.  I “train” with other swords that have also honed me – NLT, ESV, KJV, etc., but that’s not my point.  The Bible you should get is the Bible you’re going to use.  It’s the one that trains you, the faithful friend you can grow old with and draws you closer to the author.  It’s the one you breath with.

Which brings me back to this “new” NIV; it’s never been read.  I’ve thought a lot about that since receiving it and I see two possibilities – either someone had no interest in what God has to say and ignored it or they had another sword they couldn’t put down because it was just too good of a friend.  I’m hoping the latter.  

I’d love to hear about what you are using and why.  As for me, I’m breathing in every word of my “new” 1978….