I learned the story of the Bible is simple. Every narrative and small parable now make sense to me, because I discovered they all tie together into God’s overall plan, which is to bring us back into fellowship with Him. Throughout the individual tales we learn about God’s character, man’s character, why we do what we do, how we can function in our daily life, why certain things mean what they mean, but regardless of which direction the adventures take us, the overall theme throughout the Book remains the same: God is bringing us home to Him.
I also learned the Bible is not written chronologically. Many verses from different books overlap. I had many “aha” moments as clarity sank in. I learned not to get confused by all the side stories. Take them to heart. Grow closer to God through them but filter every lesson through the one underlying message of the Bible: God created man; man sinned, separating us from God; God immediately began implementing His plan to restore the broken line between man and God to give man a way to return Home; but in the end, it is up to man to choose. He can go it alone, or he can return to the One who created him. That, my friends, is what I learned when I read the Bible. A simple love story of a Father bringing His children Home.
My daily discoveries will post on Sundays. As you read my findings from each book of the Bible, I hope you will take them for what they are. I am not a theologian, and I wrote what spoke to me. These are not profound teachings I am imparting. Some are simple recognitions that I did not know, or I had forgotten. Example: Did you realize the ark Noah built landed somewhere in the mountains of Ararat, which is today part of eastern Turkey? Did you know God grieves? Imagining my Creator weeping over me makes my heart break. Did anyone ever tell you there is a purpose behind the long genealogical lists, which is where many of us sigh a big UGH, stop reading, and close the Bible?
I tell all of this, so you know my daily discoveries were not always profound. Sometimes they are simply generic facts I found interesting. There are also important verses or themes that I do not mention, because they were not on my heart to write. So, take these daily postings for what they are. A daughter of Christ enjoying the mysteries of the Bible that spoke to her. My challenge? That you do your own reading, page by page. God will take you on your own adventure. The secrets He will reveal to you will be different than what He revealed to me, yet His truth will always remain visible and consistent.
The only way we discern what is real from what is a lie is to study truth. As the old saying goes, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” I knew which road would get me Home before I fully read the Bible, but now that I have digested each word, the path I travel is full of adventure, and each day brings a new surprise. I challenge you to step onto the road God began building at the fall of man and completed upon the death of Christ. A trail that now takes us directly Home. Begin your journey back to Him, with the Bible as your compass, and delight in the unspeakable treasures along the way that He has already placed along your path. There will come a day for each one of us when we reach the end of the road. The question is, which road are you on?
Together with you,
Lisa Lou