Lee Moses
“Absolutely blown away.” This was the reaction of microbiologist Freya Harrison and her colleagues to the effectiveness of a new eye remedy they came across. However, it was only new in the sense that it was new to them. They found this eye remedy in Bald’s Leechbook, a medical volume written in the 10th century. The effectiveness of this particular remedy has led Harrison and others to plan testing of other ancient remedies long forgotten.
Every generation seems to operate under the assumption that previous generations have been inferior and ignorant, and the older that previous generation is, the more inferior and ignorant it is assumed to be. This is, of course, foolish reasoning. Job observed, “With the ancient [or “the aged”] is wisdom; And in length of days understanding” (Job 12:12-13). It is true that generations who build on previous knowledge can arrive at new attainments not possible for previous generations. Such is only possible when people value and learn the wisdom of those previous generations.
There are those who try to attack the Bible because of its age. “Why would I pay any attention to a 2000-year-old book?” “We’ve learned so much since the Bible was written!” “The Bible is irrelevant to today’s modern world.” However, if experts have learned that the wisdom of ancient generations should not be disregarded, how much more is this true of the wisdom of the Ancient of Days?
“God… Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son” (Heb. 1:1-2). For all the changes one might observe, humanity has been in its final era, the Christian Age, since the first century. And God has spoken to address man’s needs that will persist throughout this era until eternity begins, and He has done so through the Bible: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16).
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue (2 Pet. 1:2-3).
While mankind may have indeed learned much in the intervening centuries, God already knew it. If an ancient medical volume can impart knowledge for addressing man’s physical needs today, how much more can the omnisciently-informed Word of God impart knowledge for addressing man’s spiritual needs today? “Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Jer. 6:16).
