Scrolling

Some of the earliest forms of record keeping for writing, editing, and reading text were found on scrolls. It’s fair to say that Christians popularized scrolls due to all the religious text recorded on them by the Hebrews. Long before the Bible was the book we know today, parts and pieces were likely first recorded (and read) on plant-based paper (aka papyrus) that we call a scroll. It’s fascinating to think about how God’s Word has evolved from a scroll to something digital that we can take with us wherever we go, or even share in an online devotional. Usually when someone reads from a scroll, it’s pretty important. Jesus even read from the prophet Isaiah on a scroll (read Luke 4:17-21 where it notes that, “the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him.”) In 2020, we all know how to scroll, but in a different way.

The modern version of scrolling involves technology. We usually get on our phones and open up Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok to swipe our finger up and down until we find something we like (or maybe even something we don’t like). If we don’t have social media, we do it on news apps, and the same goals apply. Like anything else, some are better at scrolling than others, but I believe it provides the same result for everyone. In a world that demands we keep up, we try, but we ultimately fail. That’s because no matter how much information we try to soak in, it will never fill the void we all share.

One of my favorite hymns says, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” As someone who has scrolled before, I don’t find much hope in it. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Scrolling has changed from what it once was, but the Word of God is steadfast. When Christ is the solid rock in which you stand, all other ground is indeed sinking sand. Don’t forget the scrolls of old that remind you exactly where to fasten your eyes.

-Jacob

---