The helpful bit of information below actually appears in a Nissan owner’s manual.

Do not fold down the rear seats when occupants are in the rear seat area.
(2012 Nissan Juke Owner’s Manual)

We laugh but the sad possibility is that this actually happened or some lawyers proactively decided to cover their own rear seat area. A 2009 SAAB manual selfishly suggests “only one person per safety belt”. Mercedes Benz helpfully suggested in 2012 that the driver should “not switch off the ignition while driving” because some features would not work. You can’t make this stuff up.

I have never read the owner’s manual of any of the vehicles I have owned from cover to cover. I know that is highly offensive to some. But for some reason I never have the time or concentration to find out how my car can operate more efficiently and trouble free for a longer period of time. Why should I do that?

The same principles apply to the owner’s manual that we call the Bible. If this is God’s revelation to us wouldn’t it make sense that the Bible contains insight to operate more efficiently and trouble free? The growing cultural trend is to dismiss or marginalize the Bible. We look to find something archaic or culturally offensive to rant about instead of investigating the truth claims of Scripture. We get offended by a passage and dismiss much if not all of what the Bible proclaims.

We are quick to find ways that unloving and graceless applications of Bible texts have done harm while dismissing the incredible positive impact this same book has had on history. Commandments against murder, stealing and lying are the basis of our legal system. The teachings of Jesus completely changed the status of women and children. Biblical stories and characters flow throughout great literature and art. Much of the true humanitarian work in medicine was born out of Biblical conviction. But the Enemy directs our focus to something that offends us in some way.

Author/Pastor Tim Keller thoughtfully says this about the Bible.

If the Bible really was the revelation of God, and therefore it wasn’t the product of any one culture, wouldn’t it contradict every culture at some point? Therefore, if it’s really from God, wouldn’t it have to offend your cultural sensibilities at some point?

Tim Keller

Yep.

If the Bible is the revelation of God then it follows that this volume contains insights into our spiritual and emotional DNA that only the designer can fully explain. An engineer can look at a design problem and provide a solution. He or she designed it so they know where the problem exists. If we are designed in the image of God only He can truly understand the complexities of our operating system.

I have found that no volume addresses the perplexing questions of life as completely as the Bible. Quit worrying about the Levitical laws for a moment and some cultural contexts that are different from today. You will find a story that does not sugarcoat the failings of the most revered Biblical figures. You will find honest explorations of evil, suffering and pain. You will find the basis for true justice for the poor and oppressed that we still seek today. You will find the principles for success in marriage, parenting, work, leadership and friendship. You will find hope for the future. You will find salvation that requires nothing to be sacrificed other than your unwillingness to confess your need for a Savior.

N.T. Wright is one of the truly brilliant Christian thinkers of our generation. He is saddened by how we marginalize this amazing volume.

“In the same way many Christians–whole generations of them, sometimes entire denominations–have in their possession a book which will do a thousand things not only in and for them but through them in the world. And they use it to sustain only three or four things they already do.

NT Wright, (Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense)

We have a strange relationship with the Bible. American Christians like to talk about the importance of God’s Word in culture and schools and government but we don’t know it (or more importantly don’t live it) ourselves. We shake our heads when we read that one in ten people think Joan of Arc was Noah’s wife. But most of us would not fare too well if quizzed on our own Biblical literacy.

I have found this volume holds a power unlike any book I have encountered. Do I struggle with some of it? Of course. But I can read a passage that I have read countless times before and without warning find my heart pierced by a truth that changes my current situation if not my very life. Part of my own journey to reconnect with God and others and disconnect from anxiousness is to intentionally spend daily contemplative time in the Bible. Relaxed. Reading one verse or five chapters. Digging out truths of theology or enjoying stories of flawed humans like me being used in God’s grand purpose. Sitting down with this book, a cup of coffee, an open heart and an attitude of expectation is remarkably filling. I used to read with a performance goal in mind. I need to read the Bible in a year. I need to finish this study. Now I read with only the expectation that God will meet me there and direct our time together. That is one more step in Waking Up Slowly to God and being present in the moment.

Quotes from comedian George Carlin don’t find themselves into a lot of Christian writings but this quip is worthy. “I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older; then it dawned on me – they’re cramming for their final exam.” There is some validity to that since my final exam date may soon be on the docket. That sentiment of cramming to try and measure up reflects my early church upbringing that salvation is primarily to avoid Hell. My journey since I discovered grace has been dramatically different. Now Scripture sharpens, softens, refines, redeems, corrects, inspires and comforts me.

Here is today’s grace assignment. Sit down with Jesus and God’s Word. This is not about studying or accomplishing. This is about relationship. Reading a Gospel parable, a Psalm or an encouragement from the Word. Read, relax and enjoy hanging out with your Abba Father. He knows you like no one else does.

Excerpt from Waking Up Slowly…a 21 day journey to connect more closely with God and one another.