If you remember back to the first of the year, I told you about my resolutions for the year. One of them was to finish reading the Bible. Well, I did it--I finally did it! I read it cover to cover, just as though it were any other book.
It was a powerful, interesting experience. I also have to say, it was the most challenging book I've ever read. The first five books--Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy--were fairly easy. But then it became a lot less like a "story," and therefore much more difficult to read.
The lists and chronicles were challenging, as were the Psalms. Reading the Bible book to book is very different than purposefully studying it, I discovered. I was relieved when the New Testament rolled around after the long hard climb of the Old Testament. Again, the first four books--the Gospels--were a fairly easy read. Then the "stories" gave way to letters, also not as easy to read as a straightforward story.
Reading it, it becomes quite obvious that it was never meant to be read in this fashion. This is not to say that I don't recommend reading it straight through. I do--and I think anyone who does so will find it an educational experience..
I did this too a few years ago! I can't say it was an educational experience for me. It seemed more like homework and I didn't get as much out of it as you did. Thankfully, I go to a church that goes through the bible verse by verse so I can actually gain some understanding of what it says and while it takes a longer time to get through it - I feel like if I try to read through the bible in a year again, I will definitely learn more.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for doing this - sounds like it was a very rewarding experience for you!!
It did seem like "homework" to me a lot of the time too! But since it was something I wanted to do--a voluntary project--I slogged through it! And I do mean slogged at times! Still, when all was said and done, it was a meaningful experience for me and I'm glad I did it. I feel as though there are parts I could easily skip if I were ever to do it again. :)
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