Man’s need for direction in this life is evident throughout all 66 books of the Bible. The prophet Jeremiah penned, “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). How will man know in what direction to go if he is not directed? The direction that he needs is found in the revealed Word of God left for mankind to use as a guide in this life. When one opens his Bible he can see direction concerning from whence he came (Genesis 2:7), to where he is going (John 14:1-4; Revelation 21:8), and how to conduct his life in the mean time (Revelation 2:10). The psalmist wrote, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). Not only will God’s Word direct man, His Word will also last into eternity. For Isaiah said, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever” (Isaiah 40:8).

In revealing His direction for man, God used about 40 men to write over a period of 1600 years. These men wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21). These men wrote not in words of human wisdom but in words taught through the Holy Spirit, “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:13).

The purpose for God’s revelation is for man to know who God is, the power He displays, His character of love, mercy, kindness, and His severity. Mankind is subject to all of these characteristics because God’s revelation also includes His plan to save man from his sins. The Bible presents God as the Powerful, Creator and Sustainer of all things, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). Without God and the revelation of His Word, there would be no hope of eternal life (Romans 6:23).

(Lord willing, continued next week)