The Grand Guide
Scripture Reading — 2 Timothy 3:10-17
God … will be our guide even to the end.
—Psalm 48:14
Our newspaper included a supplement called the Grand Guide: Your Guide to Living. Performance centers, ticket outlets, galleries, restaurants, fairs, festivals, recreation, and more were highlighted.
I thought about the words Your Guide to Living. Part of my “living” in this North American culture includes some of these opportunities. But my day-to-day living revolves around questions like “Where can I get my car repaired? What grocery store has good fruits and vegetables? Where is the nearest hardware store? Where can I buy clothes at a reasonable price? What church can I call home? When I need a funeral home, where will I go?” Churches and funeral directors were included in some of the Grand Guide advertising space. But, as far as I could tell, no one needed an oil change, fresh broccoli, a stepladder, or shoes.
I wondered, “If God produced something called Your Guide to Living, what would it look like?” Then it dawned on me. He already has produced the definitive Guide to Living: his Word, the Bible. It says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching … and training in righteousness.” What a privilege to read our Guide to Living every day—to seek and find both guidance and the Guide himself.
Lent is a good time to read the guide for living and grow closer to our Lord and Guide.
Jesus, in this Lenten season, may we come to you, for “you have the words of eternal life.” In your name we hope. Amen.
About the author — Dale Vander Veen
Dale Vander Veen is a retired Christian Reformed pastor who with his wife, Edith, has ministered in California, Washington, and Michigan. They have three married children and six grandchildren. He currently writes a daily e-mail series of devotions.
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