Sketch of "Mickey's Toothache"

 Of all our beloved cartoon characters, Mickey Mouse may be the most famous. For more than 80 years he has entertained the world with his antics, demonstrating human-like qualities in fantasy situations. I suppose there are some who would say they've seen every one of his cartoons.

 

Such claims, if they've been made, were disproven earlier this week when discovery of a sketch of "Mickey's Toothache" was announced on Yahoo News. The sketch, made by illustrator Ferdinand Horvath, is from 1938, the time when Mickey was finally becoming the character that has made him so beloved. The sketch is part of a never-finished animated short, but Disney spokesmen say a finished version may be in the works.

 

Discoveries like this are not uncommon. In August of 2012 the world was informed that a lost painting of Leonardo da Vinci had been found. If proven to be authentic, the painting of Madonna and Child may be worth as much as $150 million at auction. Wouldn't that be something to discover in our grandparents attic?!

 

Another discovery was announced in 2006 in which I was more interested. A 62- page leather codex (book) had been obtained which claimed to be "The Gospel of Judas". Though few believe the book was actually written by the apostle who betrayed Christ, many trumpet the book as one of many examples of "the lost books of the Bible".

 

If it is true that some books of the Bible have been "lost" for centuries, what does this mean? Have we been told only part of what God wants us to hear? Is there something lacking in my faith that these new finds can now supply? What other Bible books remain to be discovered?

 

Personally, I reject the notion that certain books have been omitted from the Bible which should have been included. I base my conviction upon certain truths that are clearly stated in God's word. One of these is found in 2 Timothy 3:16,17: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

 

"Inspiration of God" is the key concept here. It means that God intended to give to mankind a record of His will, so we might all know what He expects and what He promises to the faithful. If God was able to reveal that information to human writers, would He not also be able to preserve that record?

 

Peter stated the same truth: "As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who has called us by glory and virtue" (2 Peter 1:3). Was Peter right? Was God able to give us "all things" we need, but not able to keep it all together?

 

Some may call me naive, but I consider it a conviction based on faith in God. "Is anything too hard for the Lord?", God asked Abraham in Genesis 18:14. On that occasion He enabled a 90-year-old woman to bear a son. Is it too much to believe that He could also preserve intact the body of writings He revealed to His servants long ago? Yes, I absolutely believe we have "all things that pertain to life and godliness" today within the covers of this Holy Bible.

 

Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you'd like to discuss these ideas further.

 

Timothy Hall