Pastor’s Corner: “Red Letters for Rough Days”
Luke 22:20 (NIV) – 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
The other day while I was reading my Bible I decided to read only the Red Letters. I started in Matthew and made it through Mark and Luke, skipping over the black print in the Gospels and reading only the Red Letters. I was surprised at how quickly I covered entire books and what a blessing it was to “hear” the voice of Jesus in a constant stream of dialogue.
I became curious about who had invented the first “Red Letters” edition of the New Testament. His name was Lewis Klopsch. He was a German-born Christian journalist who was very successful as the owner and editor of a prominent evangelical magazine known as the Christian Herald. One day Dr. Klopsch was reading Luke 22:20 and he saw the words, “This cup is the New Covenant in My blood….” Instantly he thought of printing the words of Christ in red in the Bible. He organized a series of biblical scholars to work on the project, and the first Red Letter Bible was published in 1901.
Jesus’ words matter. Jesus’ words carry power and life. I do not advocate ignoring all the other words in the Bible, but the “Red Letters” are a reminder to us that the Bible is personal, it is a conversation and it is relevant. When we feel abandoned, isolated and alone, His words remind us that He identifies with our loneliness and pain: Matthew 27:46 (NIV) – 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). More than this, the “Red Letters,” His personal words remind us of His suffering and great love for us!
Jesus isn’t just a “good times only” savior. He’s with us not only when things are going well, but during our bad days also. When hard times hit us, he doesn’t disappear, saying, “I’ll be back when you’ve got it all worked out.” No he’s faithful and caring through every kind of season. And He’s touched by every feeling we endure during our hard times. Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) – 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Let Jesus’ Words speak to your heart and cover your pain. It doesn’t matter how long you read. It matters how you let God’s Word change you—how you see yourself and others in light of Jesus’ love, how you view your circumstances, and how your relationship with Jesus deepens and grows. Are you weary and worn down? Nourish your soul and stay emotionally healthy by starting and ending each day with Jesus’ Words.
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton