On the “Antiques Roadshow” a woman brought a small piece of old paper with a faded note written on it , and Abraham Lincoln’s signature. She assumed that the note was written by a secretary, but that the signature might be worth something. She was

right about the signature, but the appraiser told her that the message itself was in Lincoln’s handwriting, and was certainly written by him.

The message was a “pass” to allow a widow to cross Union lines during the Civil War in order to visit relatives in the North. The owner was astonished that the whole piece was hand written by Lincoln, and the appraiser said that the signature was worth a few thousand dollars, but having the whole note gave a window into the character of Lincoln, and placed us at the time and place. It was worth many thousands more than just the signature alone.

When Christians say “It’s a God thing!” I think they have perceived the signature of God in an incident in the world around them. Many times it seems to be the closest that we can come to our Savior God, but His whole Book is actually available to find Him and find ourselves in His timelessness and perfect place. Daily reading His book opens vast windows into the life of our God, which He intends to share with us: “Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him,” (Proverbs 30:5),and “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds. . . teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 11:18)

In the New Testament Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31)

The faded piece of paper contained an undeniable truth, not only of a point in time, but of the character of the writer. For that, it was very, very valuable. The Bible contains glimpses of a distant time and place, but also it reveals the character of a timeless God who has not changed, but whose character has become clearer with the years of believers who have read His word, and held to His teachings. Indeed, in the midst of confusion His words have the power to set us free. What could possibly be more valuable?

Love in Him,

Prue