The topic of “book magic” was addressed in this “Bibliomancy” post. People mistakenly try to use the Bible in an occult way, thinking that if they just let their Bible fall open, God will have caused it to open at that spot—and his specific message for the specific question/situation is there.
Quoting from that post: “Doesn’t almost every page in the magnificent, incomparable Bible have strong do/don’t examples that are spot-on for a variety of situations?” Considering this further: Anytime we open the Bible, to any passage, aren’t we bound to find help—no matter what’s going on in our lives at the moment?
Now, please don’t misunderstand. Besides not looking for answers in an occult sort of way, I’m also not saying to blindly over-apply what we read in the Bible. For instance, if my basement had flooded, I wouldn’t read into Exodus 14 that I’m to raise a stick and part the water as Moses did. But the fuller passage does indicate that the Lord can help, no matter how overwhelming the problem. As I read that Moses was to stand firm/calm in the face of his impossible situation in Exodus 14, it’s the perfect push to help me dial back my panic over a mere leaky basement. That’s all I’m saying.
Couldn’t resist a little experiment related to my description of the Bible as “magnificent” on “every page.” I tried to imagine assorted difficulties. And for each, I randomly opened the Bible and started reading from where my eyes landed. Sure enough!
- I imagined that someone had stolen all my money and possessions and left me penniless. My Bible fell open to the area around Matthew 10:28 that says not to fear those who can kill the body. Of course, that’s a reminder not to be afraid of the assorted things that befall us in the physical realm. Keep the spiritual life as of prime importance.
- I imagined a general unexplained anxiety. My Bible fell open to Psalm 55, which speaks of the heart being in anguish. But I also get the strong message to stick with the Lord, that the Lord cares and I can trust him.
- I imagined a work situation in which I’m being overworked/mistreated by others. I landed on Jeremiah 17:18: “Let my persecutors be put to shame.” Yes! I’m so right. Those people at the office sure need to straighten up! But wait. While pointing fingers, I scooted back to verse 10: “I the Lord search the heart.” Now I’m stopped in my tracks, having to consider whether I myself am totally acting in reverence of God, living on his path, treating others as he directs—no matter what.
This little experiment was so WOW to me. The Lord’s living Word has something for us, no matter the situation. (Duh.) And possibly, has help/answers in virtually any passage. (OK, maybe a couple of the long genealogies wouldn’t be much help, but…)
The next day, still in such awe of the Word and so thankful that we have it, I decided to play with this idea a bit more. But this time, the Lord’s sense of humor came through. I imagined crying about a sad situation, opened my Bible, and the first thing I read—(honest!)—was: “Your hair is like a flock of goats” (Song of Songs 4:1).
Don’t ya love it?!
Bottom line: The Bible had what people needed thousands of years ago, and it still has what we need. The Lord knows what he’s doing—and there’s no expiration date on his ways. Nor have we humans “progressed” to being beyond his guidance and needing to “reimagine” something more modern/trendy. If we’re opening the Bible often (that is, really reading it), we’ll naturally come to know the Lord and his ways better. The recalling of what he’s said—as well as the guidance of the Spirit—leads our hearts and minds in the day-to-day. That’s a totally different thing from ignoring the Lord until we’re in a jam and thinking he’s obligated to make sure the Book opens at a spot to instantly show us which car to buy, what class to take, who to marry, etc. Not only does that method lean into sorcery; it doesn’t quite sound like a relationship, does it?
