The Tape Measure And The Bible

“The Bible and the Tape Measure”

“We will trust a tape measure, but not God’s Word”

Text: Psalms 119:9-11 (KJV) 9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Psalms 119:105 (KJV) Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

If I were to take this tape measure this morning and measure this pulpit . . . and I were to say that it was ___ inches wide would you believe me? Why? What gives this Power Pro Craft Serial # TM1210N the ability to be right or even accurate? Have you ever taken a measurement with a tape measure, cut your board and then when the board didn’t fit say “That stupid tape measure . . . it gave me the wrong measurement again.” No that would seem to be absurd, yet there are people who will say that about God’s word. When we use a tape measure we don’t question its accuracy or validity. Then why do we question the accuracy or validity of God’s word? Let’s look at several startling realities.

I. Where was it made? (it’s maker or author)

Well, this little device says “Made in china for Commerce; CA 90040 U.S.A.” I could say something about that, but I think I will refrain today. This measuring tape was probably manufactured along with a thousand or so of its kind on a given day. It was probably designed by a computer program of some type or another. Therefore in many people’s minds it cannot be wrong. Can machines make mistakes? We have only to look at our currency to see one example. Have you ever seen a coin stamped with a head on both sides? Not just for a joke, but unintentionally. What about a coin that was stamped off-center? Those mistakes make those coins or bills very valuable. Why? Because they are rare, machines do not make mistakes, but when they do . . . . So what if for instance, my little tape measure was one of one thousand made that day that contained an error. Was each of those one thousand tape measures compared with a valid standard of measurement? What if instead of each inch being one inch it was one inch and 1/16th? Well, 1/16th that surely wouldn’t make a difference, would it? Well . . . maybe not if you were only measuring 1 inch, but what if you measured your side and came up with 50’ feet and I measured my side and came up with 53.125?” It would be a strange looking house when it was finished if every measurement I made was ½ to 3 inches shorter than the measurements anyone else made.

We don’t question the validity of a tape measure but we will question the reliability of God’s word.

2 Samuel 22:31 (KJV) As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

Psalms 12:6 (KJV) The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Unlike machines whose chance of error is much smaller than man, God does not make mistakes. God is perfect and his word is tried and true.

2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2 Peter 1:21 (KJV) For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

How then can we know that the Bible is not just a mistake?

1 Kings 8:56 (KJV) Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.

Psalms 111:7 (KJV) The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.

Matthew 5:18 (KJV) For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

II. What tests has it passed?

Well this little device has the logo of Power Pro Craft TM which basically means, it has passed their requirements of a valid reliable tool. I say again has this little tool been tested against an unchangeable standard?

Tape Measure - Measuring instrument consisting of a narrow strip (cloth or metal) marked in inches or centimeters and used for measuring lengths.