On a visit to the Passages Interactive Bible Exhibit, I was reminded of the beauty and scholarship of Scripture. Accustomed to the modern-day, gold-filigree edging, I was impressed with one particular exhibit that showcased fore-edged printing—beautiful pictures, some representing events from Scripture and others with countryside scenes—that graced the outer edges of the Bibles. Interestingly, the pictures become visible when the Bible cover is first opened and the pages softly rest against one another, as if in a state of readiness to be turned.

In a society where Bible translations and study guides abound, we may at times take the availability of God’s Word for granted. More than letters on a page, however, the Word reveals the very nature and heart of God. It’s not something we read simply to stretch our thinking or advance our learning. We engage Scripture to be transformed into the likeness of Christ—the one who is the Word incarnate (John 1:1-14).

Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “The Word of God is alive and powerful.” Scripture has the ability “to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God’s Word molds and motivates us. Hebrews 4:12 goes on to tell us about the revealing power of the Word as it exposes hidden places in our hearts. So both of these passages present an important aspect of God’s Word—its ability to change us.

Opening the cover of our lives, we become a living picture of the canvas of Christ at work when we allow His Word to be on our lips and in our hearts so that we can obey it (Deuteronomy 30:14).

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 2 Kings 5:1-27