WWJD

The King James Version of the Bible in its 1631 edition, read: "Thou shalt commit adultery." Today, this might seem a given, but in 1631, this was news. Adultery, instead of being forbidden, was suddenly compulsory.  It was a typo, of course. The printers were heavily fined, a correction was made and the 1631 edition became known as the Wicked Bible. A few years later, printers caused problems again. They left out the second negative in 1 Corinthians 6:9, which read, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall inherit the kingdom of God?" The unrighteous got excited about their future, until it was made clear that "the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Then the printers moved on to murder. In 1795, the King James Version had Jesus say, "Let the children first be killed" (Mark 7:27). What he really asked was that the children first be "filled" - that is, fed.  Just six years later, the "murmurers" of Jude 16 became "murderers." "These are murderers, complainers, walking after their own lusts," it read. This edition quickly became known as the Murderers' Bible.

When I conjure up Psalm 23, I hear the words, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul" (vv. 1-3). Nothing else will do. For me, Psalm 23 simply has to be read in the King James Version.

As poetic and comforting as this version is, it was born in a time of conflict. When King James took the throne of England in 1603, the country was embroiled in theological controversy. The establishment Anglicans were feuding with a group of reformers called the Puritans, and King James decided to side with the Anglicans - the group that posed the least threat to his authority (hey- he was a King & that's what Kings do). But he was a shrewd politician and knew he needed to extend an olive branch to the Puritans. He agreed to commission a new translation of the Bible, one that took seriously the original Greek and Hebrew texts. The result was the Bible we now call the KJV.

Boy - have I found out over the years that people take their Bibles seriously - seriously, especially the King Jimmy!

I was recently in a Christian bookstore that featured the Gaither Homecoming Bible.  I picked it up wondering if it was like one of those musical singing cards.  As I perused the shelves I noticed that choosing a Bible these days was a complicated thing.  Not only do I need to choose the right translation but a Bible theme too.   What would Jesus do?  I have a friend who said He might just flip over a few tables and say my Father's Word is for worship and not profit. (I'm thinking this is not too far from the truth).

Which one would He choose?  The Woman Thou Art Loosed Bible?  No – not for me, but it might make a great anniversary present for my wife. The NIV Spirit of Reformation Study Bible?  The Fire Bible?  The Spirit Filled Bible? (I liked the sound of this one).  The Life Recovery Bible. (I probably need this but I am not ready to admit I need it).  The Serendipity Study Bible? (Sounds peaceful).  The Compact Global Study Edition Teen Bible? (Sounds stealthy).  The Compromisers Study Bible? (Wish I would have thought of that one).  The Open Bible? (Holy Sounding).  The Transformation Study Bible?  The Mission of God Study Bible?  The Five Languages of Love Study Bible?  

The Every Man’s Study Bible?  The God’s Little Princess Devotional Study Bible?  The Crazy Jesus Study Bible? The The American Patriots Bible? (Not sure I could send that one to the Mission Field).  The Internet Texter's Study Bible?  (Now if that isn't a sign of the times?) Help!

So what does it mean for me to take the Bible seriously, not as political and cultural force, but as the primary source of God's Word to me?  "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?" asks the KJV of Psalm 119, verse 9. "By taking heed thereto according to thy word." Wherewithal ... taking heed ... thereto ... this is the King's English (or the kind of English we use to pray in church).  The only thing better would be to say it in French.  "Comment un jeune home rendra-t-il pure sa vioe?  Ce sera en y pennant grade selon ta parole."  Have you ever read or prayed after a person who speaks French? (Hint: Don't do it! You will sound like a hick. Believe me). The raw power of this verse punches through such flowery expressions (even King's English and French), reminding me to keep my way pure by living according to the Word of God.

I feebly attempt to let the Bible shape my life.  I really try to let the Bible interpret me more than I interpret it.  With the law of God within me, written on my heart, I know an intimacy with God that gives me a clear advantage in my ongoing struggle with sin. My attitude toward God's Word should always be open and forward-looking, trusting that the Lord will write the law on my heart and shape me into a more loving and faithful person.

"Whetherith-to-whereth with  your treasure iseth, thereto your hearteth shall be hitherto" I think Jesus said this -  but I'm sure it was more like "ὅπου γάρ ἐστιν ὁ θησαυρὸς ὑμῶν, ἐκεῖ ἔσται καὶ ἡ καρδία ὑμῶν"  or כי במקום אשר אוצרכם בו שם יהיה גם לבבכם׃" (Matthew 6:21).  Just sayin'.

We could just go with Aramaic-eth

If my heart relentlessly pursues worldly dreams - and maybe even attains them - what will I lose in the process? I can gain the whole world and lose my soul.  This?  A very real danger of storing up treasures on earth, "where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19).

Better to delight in God's decrees and embrace the promise of the psalm: "I will meditate on your precepts, fix my eyes on your ways, delight in your statutes, and not forget your word." This is the way of true serenity in this life, and everlasting joy in the next. By making God's Word my treasure, I will put my heart at peace.

It's a reminder that God's Word, whatever the version or theme, it bringeth me peace and provideth instruction on staying on the good path of right living.