Searching...

Tap... Tap... Tap... A man taps the side of one of the shelves... discouraged. Looking for the right topic...

There is a maze consisting of hunter green carpeting and mahogany book shelves. On the shelves that line the wall exists a sliding ladder that reaches to the ceiling. The books line the shelves and the shelves go on for what seems like eternity. Dust covers the bindings of books that have gone untouched for ages. Books filled with words that nobody cares about... Millions of people who have written books about something that nobody cares about. Useless words. The world's libraries are filled with authors of pseudo notoriety...

Like all others, he is searching. It's an all too familiar search; a search to gain some sort of wisdom that will fill the void. The void of worthlessness. It's a search for worth. Books have been written about the subject... most filled with useless words filled by authors who have, themselves, had a false sense of worth.

BUT, as he peruses the volumes of books he sees a familiar book in various locations... the books are identical... except for the title. In the "B" section, the binding says: "Bible." In the "G" section, the binding says: "God's Word." In the "H" section, he reads "Holy Bible." He reaches the "W" section and there again is the same book... different cover. "Word of God." Figuring this would be his last chance, he reaches for the book. It has just as much dust as the rest of the books, but somehow is different. It has been the one book that keeps calling him to read. So he gives the book a try. As he flips thru the pages, the book opens to the following passage:

Hebrews 12:2&3
2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Thee Author. Words of Truth. Words that are of worth. Worthy.

Walking to the circulation desk, the book tucked under his arm... he checks the book out somehow knowing that this is a book that needs to be checked out. And as the librarian stamps the slip in back he notices there is no due date. Quizzically, he looks at the librarian. His only response is, “Take it. I have already paid the price for you.”

He leaves the library encouraged.