And God Said ...

“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:20,21 (NIV) I was with some First Nations young people who believed that the white man wrote the Bible. So, in a gentle manner, I asked, “What is written on the cover of this Bible?” They replied, “The Holy Bible.” I said, “So, the one who wrote it is ‘holy.’ If you say that white men wrote it, then you are calling them holy. You have placed yourself beneath them. You are calling them gods. Why would you do that? God wrote the Holy Bible.” They thought about it for a moment, then replied, “We didn’t think of it that way before! Thank you.” God “writing” the Bible . . . the first idea that comes to mind is of God using His hand to write the Bible. So it must be explained that, when God “wrote” the Bible, He used prophets and apostles to write it down. These men were inspired by God what to write. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed . . .” Back in Genesis 1:3, we read: “And God said.” Verse 6 begins, “And God said.” Verse 9 and verse 11 read, “And God said.” I think you get the picture. God spoke and creation began. New life began. What do you suppose is happening to us when we read His Word? Jesus said, in John 6:63, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” Reading the Bible is vital to those who have a personal relationship with God. So whether it is “God wrote,” or “God said,” be fi lled with His Word. Hear His voice. Read His Word! — Peter Constant   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org