IN LAST WEEK'S POST we discussed the importance of
family meals and using the Bible for family devotions. This week I want us to
think about Bible reading plans, of which there are many. Navigators, Robert
Murray McCheyne, Crossway, Ligonier, and many others have assembled helpful
plans. (For more examples go to www.biblereadingplans.com .
Some take you through the Bible in 90 days, some in one year, some longer. But
for most Christians a Bible reading plan of some sort is essential.
When thinking about a Bible reading plan several principles are
important. First, pick a plan and stick with it. “Sticking with it” is the hard
part. Second, don’t be a slave to the plan. I would rather read the Bible
slowly, study it, and think hard about it than be forced to hurry through it in
12 months just to meet a self-imposed deadline. I read through the Bible about
once every 18 months, but I am in no hurry. If it takes more or less time I am
OK. The important thing is reading and thinking hard about God’s Word.
Why a plan? Without a plan we just tend to read our favorite
parts of the Bible over and over. A plan forces us to regularly read books we
find less exciting. For me that would be Leviticus, Job, Ecclesiastes, and some
of the minor prophets. For you it might be different. However, Jesus is the
Word of God (John 1:1). That means that it is all—even your less favorite
books—part of his revelation to fallen humanity, and it needs to be faithfully
read. Besides the more we read the unpleasant books the more pleasant they
become.
The important principle is this. Read the Bible! It is the Word
of God. It raises the dead. It is a message from heaven. In fact, it is God’s
thoughts. The less you read it the less you will want to. But, the more you
read it, the more you will want to. So, get involved in a Bible reading plan!
Labels: bible