Thursday, September 6, 2012

Why I Love Reading The Bible

The school year is back in session and my daughter is now in fourth grade. Back to school night is behind us and we are off to a good start. I've noticed writing will be more of a focus. I decided to make myself do my own writing exercise; hence, my 'fourth grade' title.

I am not an intentional eaves dropper but when the word 'God' or 'Bible' is used in others' conversations I just can't help but let my ears perk up. Sometimes I do get to be that solitary fly on the wall buzzing in and out of people's conversations. I hear off-hand comments which describe various opinions and it gets my brain brainstorming in all different directions. One I recently heard was, "The Bible is so boring." Another I see posted alot on chat sites is, "It's so contradictory."  I sigh when I hear that and want to butt in to the conversation but I have some social grace and leave the rude behavior as an after thought and buzz off to do the next thing on my list.

This particular theme could have chapters so I'll try to make it succinct. First, I would like to say (get ready to pull out your dictionary) The Bible is sui generis, the author is proof of that. He uses real life events; with real people to declare who He is. The Bible is a biography, auto-biography, historical non-fiction, mystery, romance with multiple themes that support a main plot. Every good author knows how to draw in their audience and make them relate to the characters demise or triumph. If you allow the author to lead you, He uses His word to graft your own story into His masterpiece. It truly is a pluperfect work of art.

Secondly, I find no contradiction in God's Word. Humans get hung up on the polygamy of the Old Testament, Abraham willing to do in Isaac, God telling Elijah to kill the prophets of Baal. When these so called 'contradictions' arise we need to stop and look around us. What is the reality we are all living in (from ancient time to modern)? I'll answer that for you; we live in a fallen, sinful world. The beauty of the Bible is it shows How God chooses to deal with us in this fallen state. He shows His utter perfection, we fail to heed to it and in our own power we can not attain his demands of it yet He still exhibits patience, mercy and justice. I challenge you to ask the author about these "twists" for the full detail. Then apply the lessons to your own life.

Lastly, each and every account given of the lives and events of the Bible point to the One hero who sacrifices dearly for Love. The Bible is an epic love story that extends through all space and time. Jesus is the climax, but it doesn't end there; the fulfillment of all that He promised, has accomplished and will do is ours to share in with Him forever.

I was succinct, there's a lot in these paragraphs, for those that understand I don't have to remind them there is adventure in following Christ and being submitted to His will. I think they'd agree, reading of others' experiences before us only leaves The Iliad and the Odyssey in the dust.

What Bible account has impacted the way you walk with Christ?