Job 23:12 “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.”

On October 4th, 1982 the following Joint Resolution (Public Law 97-280 and Senate Joint Resolution 165) was approved by the 97th Congress of the United States:

 

“Whereas the Bible, the Word of God, has made a unique contribution in shaping the United States as a distinctive and blessed nation and people;

Whereas deeply held religious convictions springing from the Holy Scriptures led to the early settlement of our Nation;

Whereas Biblical teachings inspired concepts of civil government that are contained in our Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States;

Whereas many of our great national leaders—among them Presidents Washington, Jackson, Lincoln, and Wilson—paid tribute to the surpassing influence of the Bible in our country’s development, as in the words of President Jackson that the Bible is “the rock on which our Republic rests”;

Whereas the history of our Nation clearly illustrates the value of voluntarily applying the teachings of the Scriptures in the lives of individuals, families, and societies;

Whereas this Nation now faces great challenges that will test this Nation as it has never been tested before; and

Whereas that renewing our knowledge of and faith in God through Holy Scripture can strengthen us as a nation and a people: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President is authorized and requested to designate 1983 as a national “Year of the Bible” in recognition of both the formative influence the Bible has been for our Nation, and our national need to study and apply the teachings of the Holy Scriptures.”

 

Even more amazing than the public proclamation by a President only 31 years ago is the bipartisan, bicameral resolution that prompted that President to make his proclamation.  During the 97th Congress, the Senate was controlled by the Republican Party and the House of Representatives was solidly controlled by the Democratic Party.  Yet, in spite of a divided Congress, Public Law 97-280 sailed through both chambers with little to no resistance.  Those legislative members recognized that America needed the words of His mouth more than its necessary food.  So do we!  PLEASE PRAY FOR A BIPARTISAN REVIVAL ROUTED IN THE WORD OF GOD.