Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say “Amen!” Praise the Lord. (Ps. 106:48)
They had never had a Bible translated into their language, but that mammoth task was now complete. It was time for a dedication celebration. The translation team that included folks from Wycliffe, a Jesuit priest, and a Wesleyan missionary had done incredible work over a long period of time. They were bound together by a deeply shared passion to see the Scripture in the language of the people.
The day arrived. Some had traveled up to five days by dugout canoe to be there. Some walked great distances. Some flew in on the nine-seater plane that came twice a week (when the weather was good).
The school building where the service was held was crowded. When the moment arrived, young men came in carrying boxes of Bibles on their shoulders. The atmosphere was electric. The anticipation of having and holding their own Bible in their own language was palpable. It was simply marvelous.
As totally amazing as that was, that celebration pales in comparison to the celebration of the risen Lord. The empty tomb changed everything. Believers had direct access to the Master. The law was superseded by grace. It was a new day.
One day, soon perhaps, any celebration ever held will fade into obscurity as we celebrate with sisters and brothers from every race, language, ethnicity, nation, and people group of the world. What a day that will be!
Celebrate the risen Christ!
H. C. Wilson is General Superintendent Emeritus of The Wesleyan Church.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
