God’s Sure Word

Some people feel that the Bible is a collection of myths and ancient stories. These prejudices were challenged by the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

It was on this day in 1947 that E.L. Sukenik, of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, first received word of the existence of these scrolls. They had been discovered by accident by two Bedouin shepherds in caves near the Dead Sea. After exhaustive investigation, it was confirmed that these were Hebrew and Aramaic manuscripts that had been collected between 200 BC and 70 AD by a previously unknown Jewish brotherhood.

The scrolls include manuals of discipline, hymn books, commentaries, and writings. They included two of the oldest known copies of the Book of Isaiah (that were almost complete) and fragments of every book in the Old Testament except Esther.

This astonishing discovery demonstrated that God’s Word had been passed down faithfully and accurately for many generations.

Those who lived by faith did not need the assurance that these scrolls provided, but this discovery was a reminder that God’s Word is not a human invention or a collection of fiction or myths. Regardless of the opinions of skeptics or scholars, His Word is sure and timeless. It is true today, just as it was thousands of years ago.

Jesus said that conditions in the world would change. Trends and fashions would come and go. Nations and leaders would rise and fall. Yet His words “will not pass away.”

Today, do not place your confidence in your job or the economy, your friends or family, or anything else in the world. Instead, place your confidence in God’s Word. It is true and fully dependable. Its principles will change your life when you put them into practice.