Reading the Scriptures is an awesome experience. Many readers have commented on the amazing depth of the Holy Writ. It seems to hold itself timeless, even when re-reading a very familiar section; new thoughts and applications immediately arise. It is amazing how many times during stressful or difficult times, Scriptures committed to memory come back to us like healing waters.
Most believers view the Scriptures as “static” or “organic” and hold even stronger to an “either/or” ideology. There are poorly drawn lines between the “historicity” and the “spirituality or mystic” perceptions of the Bible. What is even more troubling is the lack of sacred outlook or appreciation that often accompanies the Bible.
When leaving most church services, copies of the Bible can be seen under seats, on the floor, left behind or even in lost and found. Hardly the behavior of a group that claims 100% inspiration from God on the words to be found in its pages. Much like a magazine or used book, it finds its relevance when needed. The “sacredness” of the Bible seems lost in the physical realm.
But even more concerning is the popular notion that the Bible is static, its stories and applications chiseled in stone for us to observe as a “do and do not do” manual on living. But the Living Word of God (the Bible’s own claim about itself) cannot be contained in a historical setting.
Simply reading your Bible is… simply reading. Jesus exhorted His followers to “search the Scriptures, for in them you will find eternal life”. This searching is determined and deliberate. It also has the end game of eternal life. This admonishment by Jesus is not about a “read your Bible through in a year” competition. It is about embracing the mysteries and plumbing the depths of each line, each phrase, and each letter.
In Judaism, it is taught that each word and letter has a specific value that can change each possible interpretation into seventy different ideas. They refer to this as “The Seventy Faces of Torah”. The idea being that we can really dig deep into our Bibles and not be afraid of upsetting the balance of the spiritual universe should be exciting to us.
I would even go as far to say we should approach our Bible reading and study time with great reverence and expectation. Studying Scriptures, reading and mediating on their words is like an appointment time with God, a chance to sit and hear from the Master of the Universe. I do not agree with many churches approach of “coffee table conversations” to Bible study. This is our opportunity to connect with God, to see His plan for our lives spelled out in the words of the ancient documents.
It is interesting to consider that if you take a Bible, any Bible, and bury it in the sand, and two-thousand years later, it is discovered, its value would be off the charts. I can't even think of how much it would be worth. It's odd that our Bibles have more value when we bury them than they do if we study them.
When we allow dogma and doctrines to squash deep and resourceful observations about Scripture, we are doing the Bible and the followers of Jesus a disservice. I agree that by in large we are segmented by our different beliefs (oddly enough, over the same Scriptures) and that doctrines outline the belief systems of a certain denomination or group. But we need to face a cold and hard fact: no person, no group, no denomination or religious faction holds a trademark on God. God does not belong to us, we belong to God! (See my article “Who Owns God” for more ideas on this)
We need to look deeply and creatively into the face of our Bibles and draw life-long lessons from the pages. There are thousands of mysteries awaiting your discovery today.
Here is a meditation I find helpful…
As I meditate on the Scriptures, I feel the power of passion for them filling my heart and soul.
Sincerity, devotion and yearning for a greater connection to the Creator drive my prayers, my readings and my studies.
My spiritual consciousness opens up and connects me fully with the World Above.
The Book of Joel confirms to us that new visions and prophecy will be part of the “latter rain”. These days we need new vision and direction as we all work towards helping God in the task of repairing the world.
Stay Tuned!
David Fournier in the Senior Instructor at Restoring Grace. David teaches classes on Hebraic Perspectives, Early Christian Communities and New Testament Formations and Canon. David is available for your church, youth group, seminars and retreats. Email David at: dfour26@gmail.com
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