Symbolizing the Centrality of the Scriptures.

I was listening recently to an audio file admonishing pastors regarding the importance of expository preaching. The speaker (Alistair Begg) referred to an incident in which he shared the "preaching" assignment with another speaker who would move the podium out of the way and just give a talk. When it was Begg's turn to preach, he would grab the podium and put it back in the center of the platform and put his Bible on it. His purpose in doing so, was not because the podium (pulpit, lecturn, etc) was a "sacred piece of furniture, but because he wanted people in the congregation to know that the Bible had the central place in his preaching. He didn't put the podium off to the side with his Bible on it for reference, but put it front and center (as much as was possible) so that the people knew that this Book to which he was referring was something special -- it has a Divine Author. Begg wasn't there to give a talk, he was there to open the Scriptures.

This has prompted me to think about the way we symbolize the importance (or lack thereof) of the Scriptures to our people as we prepare to open the Sacred Writings. It seems to me that it is important for the congregation to see that we carry a Bible into the pulpit (yes, I know that PDAs, Powerpoint, etc. and other tools are available). They need to see us open the Bible and to develop a sense of the expectation of hearing from God. I have visited a church a couple of times on vacation, and when the Scripture is read, the people stand. We have begun to do this, not because we are moving liturgical, but I want people to be reminded that this is no ordinary book. This Book which we hold in our hands has the power of God to change lives!