Ben F. Vick, Jr.
Many years ago, in an advertisement put out by the Religious Employees Association, Inc., there was an article entitled “Why Great Churches Help Their Ministers Travel.” There were ten reasons listed for why ministers should travel. It states, “Some of the larger churches throughout the nation are now requiring their ministers to travel once a year because a large percentage of the membership of some congregations travel.” (I wonder where they found that requirement?) I suggest that all churches require the Lord’s servant to travel, not necessarily to another land, but through the Bible. The best travel anywhere is done by a study of the Bible. All ten reasons listed for why one should travel could also be listed for a study of the Bible.
1. Sermon Illustrations. Though it is true “one of the best means of illustration is from the field of travel,” it is also true that the best illustrations are those found in the Bible. As one travels through his Bible, he will find no better illustrations in all the world. Who can think of a better example of God’s meaning what he says and saying what he means than the death of Nadab and Abihu? (Lev. 10:1-2.) What better illustration of reaping what one has sown (Gal. 6:7-8) than the life of David after his sin with Bathsheba? Or the life of Ahab after his wife took Naboth’s vineyard?
2. Knowledge of the Scripture. In traveling to the Bible lands one may gain insight into the pages of the Holy Writ, yet the best way is through “mental perspiration” in studying the Bible. The Lord did not say, “Travel to show thyself approved unto God,” but, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Tim. 2:15.) Many faithful preachers never did set foot on Caanan’s land, but are in heavenly Caanan now because of a knowledge of and obedience to God’s word. The best way to gain a knowledge of God’s word is to study it. (Acts 17:11; I Tim. 4:16.)
3. Interrelation of Current Events. Under this reason, it is explained that “the minister today is required to give his congregation an interpretation of the events that are transpiring in the world.” But, a quick glance at or hearing of the news daily will confirm the fact that “the whole world lieth in wickedness.” (I Jn. 5:19.) Any Bible student who casually observes the world, national, and local affairs will conclude “there is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Prov. 14:12.) Men and nations, since the beginning of time, are basically the same. That which man needed in the first century is that which man needs today, and that is the gospel. (Rom. 1:16.)
4. Minister as Educator. An educator is one who imparts knowledge or training to another. That which must be imparted is God’s word. (II Tim. 4:2.) In II Tim. 2:2, Paul wrote Timothy these words, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” Are you educating yourself as you travel through the Bible? Have you started the journey?
5. Minister as Spiritual Director. The best way to lead others spiritually is by continuing to study and obey God’s word. (II Tim. 2:15; Heb. 5:8-9.) To follow the steps of Jesus does not mean travel to a distant shore and literally attempt to put our feet where the Lord put his, but to strive to live as he lived. (I Pet. 2:21.) Only the New Testament will give us a full and perfect account of his life. Study it.
6. Relations to Community. It is suggested that by the preacher’s travels his relations in the community will improve, because he will have the opportunity to speak at various organizational and club meetings and show his visual aids. This may be so. But what better way in developing community relations than being a good Samaritan or developing a Dorcas? (Lk. 10:25-37; Acts 9:36-43.) It is not necessary for one to get on a jet in order to improve in this area. Just travel through the Bible and put it into practice.
7. Personal Renewal. It is stated that travel provides an avenue for the minister to be challenged anew through fresh experiences. It is important that all be renewed. Paul writes, “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed, day by day.” (II Cor. 4:16.) In another letter, Paul states that the new man “is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” (Col. 3:10.) The best way to be refreshed or renewed is to feed upon God’s word and practice it. (Mt. 5:6; Heb. 5:12-14.)
8. Counselor. The best counsel that anyone can receive is God’s word. Though times are changing, God’s counsel is still sure and steadfast. “The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” (Psa. 33:11.) The best advice in all the world can be found in God’s word. (II Tim. 3:16-17.)
9. Therapy. It is true that all of us need to get away for a few days and relax in order to do a better work in the Lord’s vineyard. The Lord saw the necessity of it. (Mk. 6:31-32.) But this does not mean neglect the Bible, for it is the greatest healing power. “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” (Psa. 107:20.) Let us go to the Great Physician for therapy. (Mt. 9:12.)
10. Foreign Missions. In traveling one can certainly see the need for the gospel in a lost and dying world. But by traveling through the New Testament the same can be seen. (Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16.) Travel through the Book of Acts and see how that need is met. The same must be done today.
Do you have a Bible? Then, pick it up and travel through its rich pages. Read of the people, places, and events as the beautiful scheme of redemption unfolds before your eyes. As you sit down on this side of the world with “The Book of Books” within your hands, it will take you across oceans to different shores and cities. You can learn from it what others did in order to stand justified before God. (Rom. 5:1-2; I Cor. 6:11), and it can be as your travel guide, safely directing you to shores eternal.