Start to Finish
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)
How many of us can say we have read the Bible from cover to cover (in order)? Many have read parts of it frequently, and some have done bits and pieces. Well, at least we are all reading something! There are certain books that feel like we are wading through a swamp; but if we look at the above verse again, there must be treasures of great spiritual value. Otherwise, those books would not have shown up in the table of contents. This devotion is from 3-Minute Devotions to Laugh and Reflect. I’m sure you will identify.
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Imagine receiving a new cookbook, flipping through it, and then choosing one ingredient from the appetizer section, one from salads, one from deserts, and so forth to combine as you prepare a meal. Selecting your ingredients in this way will probably result in a meal resembling chocolate asparagus tuna burritos.
While it’s a ridiculous idea, many of us read the Bible with that kind of random approach. It’s natural to have our favorite passages. Many people are fond of the honest and descriptive poetry of the Psalms. Some focus on the teachings and parables of Jesus. Others are intrigued by the apostle Paul’s doctrinal truths and logic. And some people repeatedly return to Revelation to generate spirited discussions as they speculate about end times.
We must remember, however, that the Bible is a unified story. All that diversity of style and content is part of the same story. It’s fine to read the sections we know and love, yet we must also fill in the blanks to discover the full truth revealed in Scripture. Those infrequently read portions might cast fresh light on your favorite passages. And you will discover that when all the ingredients blend in proper proportions, the end result will be delicious.
Father, thank You for Your Word. Please give us the desire to learn read this incredible story from cover to cover. Help us through the difficult sections and give us the strength to continue. Your word is precious, and we praise You. AMEN.
Illustration: Dennis Fletcher