Tidings for Tuesday
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 1 Corinthians 13:10
When we do a good job, we appreciate it when somebody notices and tells us so. A sincere compliment on a job well done means much to most of us. There are some jobs that can be done flawlessly, jobs that can actually be said to be done perfectly. But most jobs can never be said to be perfect, because there is always a little flaw or a slight imperfection or a tiny lack of what it takes to be a ten out of ten. Take writing, for example. Those of us who write know that any two writers will never produce identical compositions. So there can never be perfect writing, at least as far as men are concerned. As writers, we never strive for perfection, we strive for excellence. And when we achieve it, we know that somebody could very possibly do a better job. That is true of all that men will write. But it is not true of the Book that God has written. It is perfect.
As Paul wrote his letter to the Corinthians, he was writing one of the epistles that would make up the canon of Scripture. The Holy Spirit was directing his thoughts as well as his pen. What Paul was writing was actually part of something that was – and still is – perfect. As Paul, Peter, and the other contributors to the New Testament completed their writings, that which is perfect was coming together. And as the old apostle John completed the writing of the book of Revelation, that which is perfect had fully arrived. All that preceeded that completed volume was imperfect. And it could be set aside.
The early teachings of the apostles, the prophecies and messages and direction during the early days of Christianity have faded away. They were those things of which Paul wrote when he spoke of that which in part. They served their time but came to a conclusion because something better was available, something perfect. The Bible that you and I hold today is the same Bible that came together under the direction of the Holy Spirit in those early days. He has preserved it down through the centuries. It remains perfect, although the translations that we read – including the wonderful masterpiece translation called the King James Version – all have little flaws and imperfections. They cannot measure up to the original manuscripts, which we no longer have. So we test and trust the translations, knowing they are the best we have and that they are based on that which is perfect.
Look at your Bible very carefully. Consider the wonderful truth that Paul promised concerning the Scriptures, that which is perfect is come. We have that which is perfect, standing in contrast to all the flawed writings and ideas of men. The Bible that you hold, and only the Bible, is perfect. And it is in your hands! -Jim MacIntosh