Once when I was choosing a quilted Bible cover as a gift, a salesman told me that leather bound Bibles should not be covered. He said the oil from our hands keeps the leather "healthy" and without the oil, the leather becomes dry, parched, and stiff. I immediately thought of the Bible from my childhood that I used to keep in my car for "emergencies" and do not use very often. Indeed, its cover is stiff and cracking, and I had thought it was only old!
I wonder how much of our spiritual "health" is reflected by the health of our Bibles. If using our Bibles keeps them in good shape, how much more does it do for US? Just as a Bible that is not used becomes stiff and parched, so does a Christian who does not use his or her Bible! If the oil of our hands is applied to our Bibles every day, and the oil of God's Word is applied to our lives, both receive the benefit. For me, it gives a whole new meaning to the anointing in Psalm 23 if I think of it as a result of God's hand on me.
"Thou annointeth my head with oil. My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." -Psalm 23:5b-6a
From December 30, 1985
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