January 8 – “A bit of a rant”

I went to a funeral the other day.  Not as the pastor, just as an expression of condolence to the family of a man I have met a few times.  He was a long time Jamaica Beach resident.  He and his wife had come to several Bible studies at Seaside, and they were members of the local Presbyterian church, where the memorial service was held.  I would say that both he and his wife are strong believers in Jesus (hence the present tense of that verb.  He is still a believer as he enjoys some eternal life).  The service was packed with friends and family from all over the West End of the Island.  Several of them spoke kind words.  It was generally speaking a very nice celebration of his life.  The service itself really reflected a believer’s life.  The pastor talked about the importance of loving Jesus and committing your heart and life to Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  No argument there.

One point of interest to me came, though, when the pastor started reading some scripture.  I noticed that something about what he read didn’t sound exactly right, so I picked up one of the Bibles near me to follow along.  Sure enough, what he was saying and what I was reading didn’t quite match.  Oh, it was nothing earth-shattering or faith-shaking.  It’s just that he was “adjusting” the reading so that there were no male or female references, other than when he spoke of God (He got to stay a male).  Instead of “he” the word became “they.”  Instead of “man” the word was “person.”  “Men” became “persons.”  It never changed the meaning or essence of the passage, but it was a bit disconcerting at first.  I knew there has been a Bible published that tried to do just that – remove all traces of what the revisers called “sexist language,” and provide an “inclusive Bible” that wouldn’t offend anyone.  I have a copy of it, in fact.  This was just the first time I have ever seen it used in an actual ministry setting.  It didn’t seem to faze anyone there, though.  I think I’ll stick to the way it translates from the original languages.  Seems to me that one of the points of scripture in the first place is to offend people.  At least enough to get their attention.  That’s what the Hebrew Law was given for – to show us that we are sinners.  Besides, I like to believe people are intelligent enough to understand basic principles of language usage. 

Well, that was a bit of a rant.  Suffice it to say, the Word of God is … well, just that.  The Word of God.  Let it stand.

Hebrews 4:12-13 says, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

 

Father, walk with Al’s family in their grief.  May they hear the comfort in your Word.  Amen.