As a pastor, oftentimes I am asked about a particular version of the bible. Not to sound too simple, but I think that most of the translations we have today are 'close enough' and that a person should read whichever version they will actually pick up and read. For years I read the NIV (New International Version), because it was easy to understand and it was a gift. When I entered Bible seminary I began reading the NASB (New American Standard Bible), because I was told it was 'the best and most accurate' and it too, was a gift. For close to 23 years now, I've used the NASB and taught many Bible studies from it. Although I own well over twenty different versions of the Word of God, everything from The Message to The King James Version, the NASB has been the one I quote most and passionately run back to.
I love it.
Recently, however, I have purchased a HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible). This is sorta a 'big deal' for me. I made a choice to begin preaching from it, studying with it, and praying it in exclusively... for at least a season.
I'm falling in love with the Word of God all over again.
I remember talking with my beautiful sister, Lisa, once. She told me how she had purchased a NLT (New Living Translation) for her husband and my dear friend, Curtis. She explained how he "couldn't put it down" and how he had read the Book of Job straight through and admitted that he "had never really understood it before". I love that kind of testimony! This is why I still hold to the philosophy that "a person should read whichever version they will actually pick up and read". I get weary of those that wish to argue and debate concerning which English version of the Bible is the 'right one'. Truthfully, all of them are subject to scrutiny in comparison to their original languages. So... what's the use? Are there versions that are dangerously close to heresy, due to their radical departures? Probably. However, the Holy Spirit is pretty awesome... and I believe Him when He says He'll lead us into all truth (John 16:13).
For me, recently, I have greatly enjoyed my moments with my new HCSB. I love how it uses the Name 'Yahweh' for 'Lord', and I love how they've kept much of the poetic flow, while remaining true to the way I speak today all while shining light on the original context of Biblical times. Again, maybe it's just another translation, but I'm reading it... and I'm once again marveling at the beautiful Author.
If it's okay, I want to simply share with you a portion I read today. Heck... it's my blog... and you can stop reading if you want. But if you do... I think you'll miss something. For me, this familiar passage took on a new sense of passion and desperation. The final line, when talking about our future hope which states, "...and those who love His name will live in it"... excites me!
Take a minute and slowly read this powerful, poetic, passionate plea for Rescue...
Psalm 69
For the choir director: according to “The Lilies.”
1 Save me, God, for the water has risen to my neck.
2 I have sunk in deep mud, and there is no footing; I have come into deep waters, and a flood sweeps over me.
3 I am weary from my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.
4 Those who hate me without cause are more numerous than the hairs of my head; my deceitful enemies, who would destroy me, are powerful. Though I did not steal, I must repay.
5 God, You know my foolishness, and my guilty acts are not hidden from You.
6 Do not let those who put their hope in You be disgraced because of me, Lord God of Hosts; do not let those who seek You be humiliated because of me, God of Israel.
7 For I have endured insults because of You, and shame has covered my face.
8 I have become a stranger to my brothers and a foreigner to my mother’s sons
9 because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.
10 I mourned and fasted, but it brought me insults.
11 I wore sackcloth as my clothing, and I was a joke to them.
12 Those who sit at the city gate talk about me, and drunkards make up songs about me.
13 But as for me, Lord, my prayer to You is for a time of favor. In Your abundant, faithful love, God, answer me with Your sure salvation.
14 Rescue me from the miry mud; don’t let me sink. Let me be rescued from those who hate me, and from the deep waters.
15 Don’t let the floodwaters sweep over me or the deep swallow me up; don’t let the Pit close its mouth over me.
16 Answer me, Lord, for Your faithful love is good; in keeping with Your great compassion, turn to me.
17 Don’t hide Your face from Your servant, for I am in distress. Answer me quickly!
18 Draw near to me and redeem me; ransom me because of my enemies.
19 You know the insults I endure—my shame and disgrace. You are aware of all my adversaries.
20 Insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. I waited for sympathy, but there was none; for comforters, but found no one.
21 Instead, they gave me gall for my food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
22 Let their table set before them be a snare, and let it be a trap for their allies.
23 Let their eyes grow too dim to see, and let their loins continually shake.
24 Pour out Your rage on them, and let Your burning anger overtake them.
25 Make their fortification desolate; may no one live in their tents.
26 For they persecute the one You struck and talk about the pain of those You wounded.
27 Add guilt to their guilt; do not let them share in Your righteousness.
28 Let them be erased from the book of life and not be recorded with the righteous.
29 But as for me—poor and in pain— let Your salvation protect me, God.
30 I will praise God’s name with song and exalt Him with thanksgiving.
31 That will please Yahweh more than an ox, more than a bull with horns and hooves.
32 The humble will see it and rejoice. You who seek God, take heart!
33 For the Lord listens to the needy and does not despise His own who are prisoners.
34 Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them,
35 for God will save Zion and build up the cities of Judah. They will live there and possess it.
36 The descendants of His servants will inherit it, and those who love His name will live in it.
