I wasn't always a believer in premium bibles. I first came into the space after watching a Tim Wildsmith video on a new Bible from Humble Lamb. At the time, I was mostly using digital Bibles for daily reading plans. I had a $20 "read in a year" bible that was tattered and worn, and some bibles from my youth...all very nice but collecting dust compared to the other tools. I considered myself a bit of a prepper, and I felt the spirit calling me to invest in bibles what I invested in that hobby. We put up a lending library, and for a season of life we dug deep to fill that library with bibles. It's possibly because of this outreach that I viewed premium bibles as unnecessary largess. I would imagine how many economical glued spine bibles could be purchased for the cost of one premium Bible. At the same time. I had a problem-my favorite bibles were falling apart. There had to be another way.
But my heart changed as I opened my first Humble Lamb Bible. Because something happens when we connect with God's word in a beautiful, distraction free physical package. It draws us in more deeply. And while God can meet us anywhere - it's true that a tool that welcomes us into the word beautifully can deepen that connection.
So fast forward a couple years and we probably have 7 humble lamb bibles in our home, alongside a bunch of others. And it's a joy to me when we get to gift these to friends. We sent one to a friend in Israel earlier this year. What a joy to get a photo back from him with it.
Enter the new ultra premium Bible from Humble Lamb. Let me start with what makes it different. Yes. The unboxing is more elevated and there are cool cards and a microfiber bag to protect the Bible in the box. Let's talk about the Bible and the buffalo leather. This isn't floppy like most premium edge lined bibles. It is strong, tough, rigid. The Bible opens gently into it and it firmly holds the pages, when you're reading on your porch. In a pew. At the airport. This thing is amazing. And the art gilding and colors of thee Bibles get attention. People will ask what you're reading. Friends will want one. Simply put, the beauty of the word in physical form invites your friends and family in. It invites you in. And so I encourage you, if you are excited about these bibles, lean into it as an investment. Whether as a lifetime Bible, an heirloom to pass to your kid, a gift, or as "one more" in your collection - this Bible elevates reading time with God. Don't pass up the opportunity.
One more thought. As we bought bibles used on ebay to fill our little lending library I would open each one. Some were gifts that got discarded. Others had underlinings and personal notes. Some were used for a generation, then passed down with a personal note. Don't let the beauty of these bibles prevent you from using them. Writing a note in them. Pour your heart out to a child in the margins in the front. In the back. It is an act of love and worship.
Enjoy your new Bible!