Hymn: “Holy Bible, Book Divine” – John Burton, Sr.
(1773-1822)
Typical Tune: ALETTA
Keeping balance in my life is always a challenge. How about
you? Staying grounded, keeping a proper perspective, finding my ‘true north’ –
these are the things I contend with on a daily basis.
Most of the hymn “Holy Bible, Book Divine” is about how the
Word of God is there for me to help me with these kinds of decisions, and each
of these ideas is introduced by the two-word phrase “mine to.” In other words,
the Bible is:
- · Mine to tell me whence I came
- · Mine to tell me what I am
- · Mine to chide me when I rove
- · Mine to show a Savior’s love
- · Mine to guide and guard
- · Mine to punish or reward
- · Mine to comfort in distress
- · Mine to show how to triumph over death
- · Mine to tell of joys to come.
Those first two are the grounding ones for me. My reading
of, studying of, and meditating upon Scripture phrases (Bible-lines, if you
please!) can often bring me back to my roots – all my beginnings.
This remembering where I came from and whose I am can simply
keep me steady-headed throughout the days which are smooth-sailing… not a worry
or a care. At times when I’m headed toward pride or self-inflation, recalling
my origins and my ownership can give me a reality check and a good dose of
humility. On those occasions when I feel un-necessary or worthless, those same
recollections can restore my belief in myself and my gifts.
All of you know by now that I have a pretty modest genesis
in east Tennessee. I tell my fine arts classes all the time that for someone
who had never heard the “Hallelujah Chorus” sung live until I went away to
college, it’s amazing how much I love great music; and for a kid who had never
visited a real museum until I was an adult, I sure do enjoy seeing great art
when I get the opportunity. Any time I feel the snobbery coming on, I have to remember whence I came, and be grateful for the appreciation of all things bright and beautiful that was
instilled in me from my inaugural years.
When I was a kid, I belonged to Hedy and Raymond Huff; it
wasn’t exactly slavery, but I probably thought it was at the time! The fact
that I knew who was taking care of me gave me a positive hope that all would
eventually be well, even when I may have thought there was no way my earliest ordeals
could turn out for the good. Now, as a semi-retiree, I am still comforted by my
Christ-owned situation… that I am his,
and he is mine… that now I belong to
Jesus.
Having more trouble than usual staying grounded? Remember
where you came from and whose you are. If you need a little help with that,
turn to the Holy Bible, Book Divine.
(There’s a brief ‘talk’
at the end, sorry.)
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