Looking at the picture, I noticed several things: This book looks like a Bible, open and ready for reading. Someone thought this Bible was important enough to have a locking mechanism to protect it from harm. Behind the Bible is the sun, shining through dark clouds to illuminate the printed words.
But, what is the Bible, anyway; just another book, or something else?
Well, it is a book, a book with the greatest story of all time; that of God and HIS relationship with creation. And the most important part of that creation is you and me.
God spoke all of HIS CREATION into being via his word. And it is his word that makes The Bible so important. Listen to what Jesus is saying in his discussion with the Pharisees...
John, Chapter 8 (World English Bible)
30 As he spoke these things, many believed in him. 31 Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him,“If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. 32 You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (emp. added vs. 31f.)
33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s offspring, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How do you say, ‘You will be made free’ ?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin. 35 A bondservant doesn’t live in the house forever. A son remains forever. 36 If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are Abraham’s offspring, yet you seek to kill me, because my word finds no place in you. 38 I say the things which I have seen with my Father; and you also do the things which you have seen with your father.” (emp. added vs. 37 f.)
39 They answered him, “Our father is Abraham.”
Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God.(emp. added vs. 40) Abraham didn’t do this. 41 You do the works of your father.”
They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father, God.”
42 Therefore Jesus said to them, “If God were your father, you would love me, for I came out and have come from God. For I haven’t come of myself, but he sent me. 43 Why don’t you understand my speech? Because you can’t hear my word. (emp. added vs. 42f.) 44 You are of your father, the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and doesn’t stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks on his own; for he is a liar, and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you don’t believe me. 46 Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 He who is of God hears the words of God. For this cause you don’t hear, because you are not of God.” (emp. added vs. 47)
48 Then the Jews answered him, “Don’t we say well that you are a Samaritan, and have a demon?”
49 Jesus answered, “I don’t have a demon, but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. 50 But I don’t seek my own glory. There is one who seeks and judges. 51 Most certainly, I tell you, if a person keeps my word, he will never see death.” (emp. added vs. 51)
God's own people can understand truth from lies; those who are like the Devil will not accept and obey what God has said. And the difference between these two categories of people is in fact the difference between life and death.
This picture of the Bible is beautiful, not because of its artistic value or the cost of the book, but rather- who is speaking through the medium of the printed word, GOD!!! Brighter than any sunshine that could ever be, more valuable than any jewels or gold are the precious words of God. Listen, learn and practice them and let your relationship with God grow and grow, beyond anything you can imagine.