We began by stating that our goal is not to get through the text. Our goal is to let the text get through to us and we sought to do this in two ways. The first is repetition. Since the start we have always included a second reading from the Psalms, Proverbs or Gospels and have now read through all three several times. The second method has to do with speed, or more accurately, slowing down. Extending the Bible reading plan to two years allows for shorter reading assignments and a more thoughtful tempo. But this is not the only way we are slowing the pace.
A quick glance at our reading plan reveals that we will shift lanes on July 16 and slow down even more by offering only one assigned passage. From here on out, our focus will be on the message of the New Testament and we encourage you to take the time to ponder what you read. If your schedule allows it, please feel free to also revisit those Old Testament passages that touched you. It is our prayer that by increasing our focus in the New Testament, and by making space for the Holy Spirit to guide our attention, we will experience the text getting through to us in even deeper ways.
As I sat before my television on Sunday listening to Pastor David’s message I was struck by the wonder and beauty of God’s Word. Jesus said,
I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony.
But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. (John 3:11-13)
You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not (John 8:23).
And John the Baptist said this about Jesus.
“He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit (John 3:31-34).
Jesus was sent by God to speak and display God’s words. Without God’s self-revelation our understanding of His love and character would be woefully shallow. The words we have recorded for us in the Bible are a profound gift and a necessary guide. Reading and knowing the contents of this book, then, is more important than we may ever realize. May the Lord help us see the true value of the gift He has given.
I truly look forward to sharing what is ahead with you. Thanks for walking this path with me.
Rob
