The Story We Find Ourselves In

I have really enjoyed going back through the bible chapter by chapter. I have been through it many times before, but there is always something new to be found each time. For instance, I was reading through Genesis chapter 17 late one night and just burst out laughing. My poor wife being half asleep could not contain her curiosity as to what would be so funny in the Bible so I told her what I just imagined. Picture Abram coming back from a visit with God and sharing the news with his people, "Hey guys guess what? God just changed my name to Abraham and said he was going to bless me and give me so many children I can't count them. Plus he is going to give us and our descendants a land flowing with milk and honey. He is going to care for us and make sure we are all blessed. Oh and one more thing, see this long finger nail of mine, this is going to hurt a little…" What would you say to that? Here comes this old man talking of Godly encounters, blessings, and by the way, let me cut away this skin on your… Uh, did this guy just say what I think he said? Did he say God told him to do that? Do you think they formed lines and faithfully followed without question? Was there a bunch of dissenters who were rebelling? For that matter did the teenagers follow right along with the bunch? And after the deed was done, was there like a week without work? I mean come on that had to hurt more than just a little, in fact with my limited medical knowledge I would guess God was supernaturally involved to keep out infection and other natural results from a lack of sterile environments and tools.

I really enjoy digging through the Old Testament. Often when I read the bible I am so focused on what I am supposed to get out of it at that moment, you know, life application stuff, that I forget to just enjoy the read. So I am taking this year to read the bible and enjoy its story. Putting myself in the shoes of biblical fathers such as Abraham and Moses. Imagining what it is like to be a prophet, king, and judge. Picturing what it was like to be so close with God, yet so far away. Take time to enjoy the bible for the amazing stories, remember this is our eternal story and we are part of it!

By Justin Johnson