Anyone who knows me knows that I love books and never leave home without at least one. I have books surrounding me. They are on the table next to me, the shelves around me, the shelves in the living room and even in my bedroom. I have collected books for years. I also gift them frequently to others whom I know will appreciate the story that is within. As a bibliophile, I like visiting libraries. In fact, each of the twenty-five times we moved, I was not totally content in the new place until we had visited the local library. I guess I just wanted to assure myself that there was one in some of the remote locations in which we were stationed. I also enjoy looking at photos of unusual libraries around the world. Here is one in Stockholm:

Look at all those books! Can you imagine visiting such a wondrous treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment? But there is something even better.

John completes his gospel with these words. Everything Jesus did could not be contained in all of the libraries in all the world. Amazing claim, isn’t it? But if you think about it, it is so true! Jesus is still working in lives today and if each of us who is touched daily by His love and grace keeps a journal or writes a poem or a letter, anything that is written about what Jesus has done, then that could be added to the “library” of what Jesus has done and is continuing to do.

Yes, I love books, but I also love the fact that God loves each of us so much that He provided a record of what He has done for us and even includes prophecy about what the future will be like. All of the adventure, mystery and historical books in the world cannot compare to the magnificent story of God told in His Holy Word, the Bible. It is a love story without comparison and it was gifted to us. Each of us has a part of that story that we carry around in our hearts. Some of us share it with others in writing, adding to the library about Jesus a testimony of what He has personally done in our lives and how He has changed us.

The next time you see a beautiful library, remember that all of the works of Jesus are too many to be contained in it. Then, start thinking of all He has done for you and be grateful. And maybe write a few things down as a record for others to read and marvel at…what a mighty God we serve!