 |  |
#2.
The Opened Book: "To Equip."
pp. 144 - 146
In our first article we considered the question of the opened ear, and realized that the
Scriptures teach that apart from the opened ear, we shall not learn the truth, and
consequently shall not be equipped for service. The opened ear, however, is but one side
of the truth; there must be another, namely, something for the ear to hear. However
eager we may be to learn, or however ready to hear, there must be some one who speaks,
there must be something to be taught. Now the figure of the opened ear demands the
corresponding figure of the voice. Yet, the majority of those who have been equipped for
service, have been equipped and prepared by the written Word, and would hesitate
seriously before they yielded submission to any spoken voice.
It is evident that the words, "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear" have a wider
application than to those who actually were within the sound of the voice of the Lord.
"He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life"
(John 5: 24) is most certainly not to be limited to the hearing of a voice. There is,
however, no need to pursue the matter, for all will agree that the figure of the ear is not to
be limited to the physical act of hearing, but stand for ready reception through whatever
channel it be mediated. To-day we are guided neither by vision, dreams, voices nor
angels. We are guided by the written Word, and as we read its pages and obey its
teaching we are "hearing" in the truest sense. Consequently our next item in this series of
"openings" must be. "The Opened Book."
Those of our readers who are at all acquainted with the writings of the
late Dr. E. W. Bullinger will remember that a favourite expression of his, when involved
in any argument concerning the faith, was one borrowed from Neh. 8: 5, "Open the
Book". Over and over again when debate has run high we have seen strong feeling
quieten and sweet reasonableness follow the opening of the Book. Another passage of
Scripture of constant use in Dr. Bullinger's writings is that of Rom. 10: 17:
"Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
There are several ways in which we may think of the Scriptures as an open book.
First, it is an open book because it has been freely given to all the people of God. We
rejoice that the reading of the Bible is the exclusive privilege of no class or person.
Secondly, it is an open book because it speaks frankly. There are depths and heights in
its teaching that baffle the holiest and the wisest. There are mysteries and parables,
prophecies and visions, that leave the mind impressed with the fact that its author is none
less than "The only wise God", yet granting all this, how plainly, how simply, how
openly it speaks of sin, of salvation, of the Saviour, of life, of death, of judgment.
While quite a number of features like the two given could be brought forward to
underline the fact that the book is indeed an open book, there is nevertheless another
aspect of the Scriptures wherein these self-same scriptures need to be opened. Our