I have several old photos of ancestors who passed away well over 100 years ago. In a few cases, however, I have no idea who is in that old picture. How frustrating! Just a name would be helpful. Better yet, why didn’t someone back then jot down a word or two about the person? Memories fade. Oral tradition becomes lost or corrupt. Written records best preserve the facts for future generations.
In His infinite wisdom, God committed His word to writing. He could have continued speaking directly to individuals through dreams, visions, angelic visits, etc. Some people mistakenly think He does! Or He could have continued to miraculously inspire certain people to proclaim His will. Again, some folks erroneously believe He still does. But instead, God chose writing. The very word “Scripture” means “that which is written.”
John the apostle said he wrote the book bearing his name “that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31). When the apostles and elders at Jerusalem met to settle a controversial issue, they wrote their Spirit-inspired decree and sent the letter to the brethren (Acts 15:20-30). Paul said that the things he wrote were the commandments of the Lord (1 Corinthians 14:37). That same apostle said that by reading what he wrote, we can “understand [his] knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:3-4).
Family history is interesting, but not essential. I can go to Heaven without ever learning who is in that old photo. But I can’t go to Heaven without learning, believing, and obeying the gospel of Christ. I’m thankful I don’t have to rely on faulty memories or oral traditions. God has preserved His word in writing. Let us show our gratitude for the Scriptures by reading, studying, obeying, and teaching them!
