A Word from the Chief Commissioner:

 Recently I received a returned “Gospel of John” that had been given to a soldier (now deceased) over 60 years ago. It had been issued by a retired Everyman’s Chief Commissioner, Alex Gilchrist, on 23rd February 1949. The Bible booklet is well preserved, personalised by address, and was clearly treasured. The book’s condition reveals much about its previous owner, providing evidence that he placed great value on knowing God, in the hope (confidence) of securing his eternal soul (John 17:3).

Sadly however, many today don’t share the same love for God’s Word, rather exchanging it for worldly wisdom, wealth, and affairs, working tirelessly to acquire and maintain. Unsurprisingly, the Bible has plenty to say about this.

One example is found in the book of Job, where God gives reference to man who goes to great lengths in search of gold, silver and various stones, travelling down into the deepest, darkest pits, out to the farthest limits, and up to the highest faraway places, overturning mountains and damming up rivers, risking all, to simply gain… (Job 28:1-4, 9-11).

The theme of this chapter (Job 28) is that man will risk so much to gain, yet knows so little about real worth, or indeed where to find it, comparatively speaking that is, for what’s actually on offer is wisdom, (leading to God Himself!).

Even if man was to acquire great wealth, if it were to be at the expense of wisdom (remaining ignorant of God through His Word), then what would it profit? Jesus asked the same, “What would it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Mathew 16:26).

The verse echoes that of Palms 49:7-8: “Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice.” 

Jesus asked, “What is more valuable than your soul?” The psalmist answers in advance… nothing! Simply and absolutely nothing is more valuable than your eternal soul! Is that not why the Scriptures say that God’s Word is better, to be more desired, and to be loved more over silver and gold, or anything else for that matter? (Psalm 19:10; 119:72, 127). Why? Because it reveals God.

Throughout Scripture God is portrayed as being inexhaustible, above and outside our comprehension (Job 11:7-9). He does however desire to be found (Jeremiah 29:12-13). God reveals Himself, in part, to those who thirst after Him (Psalms 42:1-4; 63:1-8; 143:6; Isa. 55:1), to those who humble themselves and search Him out (2 Chronicles 7:14; Deuteronomy 29:29).

Friends, I’d like to encourage you in the same way that the aforementioned soldier found God’s Word to be of great value, that you would too, sharing in its promise of eternal life, through Christ Jesus, ALONE (John 3:3, 5, 16, 36, 5:24-25; 14:6; 17:3).

God bless, Marc Wheway