This week in church we will hear a passage that contains this phrase, “All scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16a). That description is awkward even if it is somewhat a literal translation from the Greek.
Usually we read in English translations “All scripture is inspired by God.” “Breathed” as a word image however has a power to convey and evoke thoughts, memories, and emotion to a greater extent than “inspired.” I imagine a poet might select “breathed” over “inspired” in almost any context because of the visual metaphor that it is. Reading this passage of 2 Timothy often awakens in me a clear memory from second grade when I opened my mouth to catch my breath and I couldn’t breathe.
Our class was out on the playground for those big muscle activities of four square, relay races, and finally the monkey bars. I loved everything except that ladder contraption we called the monkey bars. That particular day when we lined up to cross the bars I was between Brian and Jimmy, the two biggest, fastest, and strongest boys in the class. I knew they could swing effortlessly across the bars one hand over the other. I usually crossed by holding onto a rung with both hands before reaching for the next. Much slower and much less graceful. But I knew that day I would have to measure up.
As Brian flew across the ladder my hands were getting sweaty. Up the vertical ladder I went, grabbed the first rung on the monkey bars, swung out with my free hand extended, I made it to the second rung, and then started swinging toward the third when my grip slipped and I fell. The momentum of my swing, however, meant that my legs continued moving forward and I landed completely flat on my back on the hard paved blacktop. I remember looking up at the circle of concerned second-grade faces staring down at me and Mrs. Philips asking, “Mark, are you alright?” When I tried to answer no words came. I tried to breathe, and no breath came. And I was frightened.
I am taking this phrase out of context but the image has captured my imagination. This phrase in 2 Timothy 3 puts me in mind of those occasions when life events have just slapped the breath right out of people I have known. I have seen family members, friends and parishioners for whom the breath of hope or confidence, or joy, or understanding is taken away suddenly. I know that I am speaking metaphorically, but I have seen these emotional-spiritual events literally cause people to be short of breath. It might be relatively easy right now for you to bring to mind events that have such power.
Sudden loss, tragic accidents, separations, death of loved ones, even watching the daily news may take our breath away, and even cause us to be frightened. And even if you aren’t physically short of breath, the feelings of hopelessness or helplessness can almost be incapacitating. Many times when that has been so in my life, I find that the simple practice of turning to Holy Scripture breathes into me a mystical power or presence that is capable of restoring hope, and confidence, and understanding.
Just the simple act of reading and hearing what God has to say resuscitates the soul. That this can happen is a revelation and a manifestation that the Word of God is more than print on a page, it is a living connection with the Spirit of God who continues daily to breathe life and love and hope into the world and into our lives. I know in my life that Scripture is God breathed for God has breathed new hope in me through it. I commend to everyone therefore read Scripture every day and breathe deep. If you have questions or need counsel, talk to your pastor; that is why we are here.
Each month a member of the Cook County Ministerium will offer Spiritual Reflections. This month our contributor is Reverend Mark Ditmanson of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais.
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