Scripture

1. a) the books of the Bible —often used in plural
2. b) a body of writings considered sacred or authoritative
   (via Merriam-Webster)

2 Timothy 3:16-17

¹⁶All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
¹⁷ so that the person of God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

What’s going on in the Bible?

The great Protestant theologian Karl Barth says that reading the Bible is like looking out of the window and seeing everybody on the street shading their eyes with their hands and gazing up into the sky toward something hidden from us by the roof. They are pointing up. They are speaking strange words. They are very excited. Something is happening that we can’t see happening. Or something is about to happen. Something beyond our comprehension has caught them up and is seeking to lead them on “from land to land for strange, intense, uncertain, and yet mysteriously well-planned service.” To read the Bible is to try to read the expression on their faces. To listen to the words of the Bible is to try to catch the sound of the queer, dangerous, and compelling word they seem to hear.

– Frederick Buechner, Beyond Words (2004)                                                                                                                                   

Reflection and Prayer

The reading from 2 Timothy describes several ways that scripture is useful. How have you experienced these uses personally? How have you seen scripture “equip” you and others for good work? Recall or find a verse that inspires you in the spirit of this passage and write it down to place it in a place where you’ll see it during your day.