Seen through both evidence and experience, the Bible is not only unique, but it is the Word of God. It consistently remains the number one best-seller of all time, and it will continue to hold that position. In locations of persecution and martyrdom, Christ-followers will risk their lives and give valuable possessions to own a copy of the Scriptures. Scores of the believers in western cultures, who have owned several copies of the Word of God throughout their lives, have no intention of reading the entire book – not even once. This is a travesty without excuse.
It’s probably true that many are familiar with a good portion of the New Testament, but most have not read even 30% of the Old Testament. It is the Old Testament that has been our focus in these four blogs.
Let’s look at some ideas and suggestions that will help you to engage in this necessary task. When reading any extensive portion of the Word of God, it requires a measure of determination. This discipline produces a desire which the Spirit eventually fans into a constant delight.
- Reading through the entire Bible is a rite of passage for the believer. It is a milestone that often marks a transformation from one stage of understanding to another for that student of the Word. The first time through may be difficult and/or chaotic, but it is invaluable. It also gives the reader a subjective “badge of authority” when encountering the claims and perspectives of others regarding Scripture.
- Don’t listen to the disclaimers who urge you to avoid certain passages or books of the Bible because they are dry or boring or too difficult to understand. You’ll hear statements like, “Don’t even try to get into Leviticus,” or “The Kings and Chronicles are so confusing.”
- Remember that the Bible, and especially the Old Testament, is a Jewish book, and those from a western culture perspective can initially have a difficult time acclimating to a Jewish or eastern mindset. Knowing the “Jewishness” of these writings will even help you in dealing with some of the 21st century realities relating to Israel and the Jews. Also keep in mind that Jesus was a Jewish Rabbi, and much of his day-to-day revolved around aspects of the Jewish lifestyle. You may even want to do some research and compare the Jewish arrangement of the Old Testament Scriptures, called the “TANAKH.”
- Understand that the canon of Scripture we use is arranged by genres, as characterized by Greek literature, and it is not in a chronological order. This arrangement was done by men and not under the inspiration of God. To attempt to read the Old Testament straight through as the books are ordered in your Bible will generally cause a certain degree of confusion. It is most adequately understood by reading through chronologically. But “how” you read chronologically is vital. Chronological study-Bibles seem to confuse more than to clarify. However, there are many Bible-study methods that help you navigate chronologically. But the most effective way seems to be to navigate through a plan with a community of believers with similar objectives. This benefits from discoveries of others and from Biblical connections and experience.
- Stop scratching the same itch. Remember that you are missing the comprehensive breadth of the Old Testament by reading only familiar passages over and over – like well-known Bible stores or the Psalms and Proverbs alone.
- Once you’ve decided and even accomplished reading through the Old Testament, you will have discovered multiple curiosities and treasures you will want to return to and explore more deeply or enjoy again. These studies, comparisons, or projects may focus on a variety of words, characters, family histories, themes, doctrines…. There are hundreds of possibilities!
- It is usually non-readers and/or critics of the Bible who grab those “odd nuggets or phrases” out of the Old Testament to “prove” their point about inaccuracy of Scripture. Having found and completed your own journey through the entire Old Testament will help you through the Holy Spirit in dealing with these challenging conversations.
- Your comprehension and grasp of all of Scripture – even the Old Testament – will usually be a gradual progression and will require a lifelong relationship with God’s Word.
- In both unique and obvious ways, the entirety of God’s Word – the whole counsel of God – points you to Jesus Christ and God’s plan of redemption and restoration through Him.