The Word of God Is for Everyone
Yael Eckstein | September 2, 2021
Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, “Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. — Deuteronomy 30:11-14
Each week in synagogue, Jews read through the Torah from Genesis to Deuteronomy. The Torah portion for this week is Nitzavim, which means “standing,” from Deuteronomy 29:9–30:20.
One of the most amazing things about the Bible is the way that it is appropriate for everybody. Is this obvious? Well, think about it. Every book has an audience. There are books written for adults, for kids, for intellectuals, for a popular audience, and for everyone in-between.
For example, an adult who reads a book that’s written for children will not be challenged by the words or ideas. And a child reading a book for adult intellectuals will hardly understand a word.
The Bible is the only book in the world that can captivate a young child while challenging the greatest intellectual minds in the world. Everyone can feel at home reading the Bible. Everyone can understand it in their own way. The Word of God is for everyone.
The Word of God Is for Everyone
In this week’s Torah portion, Moses taught us exactly this lesson. He reassured the people that God’s word “is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach… No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.” Living according to God’s will is within reach for all because the Word of God is for everyone.
Many of us, especially those who are new to faith, can feel intimidated by the Bible and think ourselves unworthy of having our own understanding of the Bible. But we need to remember that God gave the Bible to each and every one of us. And once we receive it, we can certainly achieve it! We can live God’s Word and bring glory to His Kingdom.
Your Turn:
Do you read the Bible daily? What’s your favorite passage right now? Share your personal thoughts on this passage with someone close to you.