Falling in Love

Last week in church I asked the question about how often we read the Bible.  Now it wasn’t to be meant to shame or guilt trip anyone because the main issue is not just reading the Bible, but when we read the Bible, how do we read it.

I often must remind myself when I read the Bible, I'm not just reading it as a part of my daily routine.  Reading the Bible is not about something I just check off my to do list.  I must remind myself that every time I read the Bible, my life will undergo a change. 

A change, not in a way that I suddenly need to change my life in drastic measures, but a change in a way that I receive new insight.  I believe it is theologian, Karl Barth once said, “I don’t read the Bible, the Bible reads me.”  And certainly, we should be reminded that it really is the Bible that allows us to reveal something about ourselves that needs attention. 

Every time we open the Bible it is about God’s revelation about our life and that it may force us to contemplate and think.  The Bible is not just some book that we read for pleasure, but it is a guide to life, and that the words off of the Bible is speaking to our very existence and situations.

Also, we need to realize that even the most familiar stories in the Bible, that we have read over and over again, can still give us a new meaning in every stage of our life.  Sometimes, I think I know what the scripture will say and I assume I know what it means.  But if I allow myself to approach the texts as if I have never seen it before, slowly read each word, I realize that I have learned something new.

I encourage you all to approach the Bible different starting this week!  Just pretend it is a book that you have never seen before.  Just pick a familiar story in the Bible, or maybe read the Gospel of Mark, and take your time reading each word.  I know it may sound painstakingly boring and I know your mind will try to force you to read faster, but don’t!  Take in every word you read.  Stop between verses and even read the same verse you read before again and again.  Try to do your best not to assume anything you know about the Bible and the passages that are in it.  Open that book as if it is the first time you have seen it.  This week, once again, fall in love with the Bible.