The Women’s Ministry theme this year is “Journey On.” As followers of Jesus, we’re on a path toward God, through triumphs and trials. Thankfully, our Shepherd has equipped us for our earthly journey with all we need—the Word, the Holy Spirit, and each other.
This marks the 30th year the Women of Grace have gone on a retreat to focus on our relationship with God in the midst of community. One of our topics will be the importance of God’s Word. In Psalm 119:97-99, the Psalmist writes of the Bible’s worth, “Oh how I love your law! I meditate on it all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.”
Be honest, how valuable is God’s Word in your life? Are you meditating on it or worrying about life? As I’ve been pondering these questions, I came across an order of service from the royal coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II that was profound. According to the Anglican Liturgical Archive, she was given a Bible with the following proclamation that rang around the world:
“We present you with this book, the most valuable thing that this world affords. Here is wisdom, this is the royal law, these are the lively oracles of God.”
As the Queen sat on a throne in historic Westminster Abbey wearing a priceless golden crown adorned with 2,901 precious stones, God’s Word was still recognized as “the most valuable thing that this world affords.” During that ceremony, earthly majesty was in full display, and yet God and the Scriptures were exalted above all! Oh, Father, renew in me a reverence, hunger, and love for your Word!
~~ Shannon Gray