I don’t know about you, but there have been times during the 40 Day Bible Reading Challenge where my eyes glaze over, I skim, and ask “What have I gotten myself into?”
But treasures like Isaiah 43 remind me once again of the timeless truths of Scripture. When I peel back the pages and catch facets of God’s character, beauty, and love, I can’t help but find myself WONDERSTRUCK.
You may find yourself asking, “Where’s the hero?”
You may be counting down the days until we dive into the New Testament.
May I encourage you to keep reading? The Messiah is coming!
Here are 7 things to remember when reading the Gospels:
- Around 400 years passed between Malachi and the coming of Jesus in Matthew 1, referred to as the Intertestamental Period.
- Reading the Gospels is like sitting down with a group of friends as they recall a shared experience–all bring different facets and memories to the table.
- Matthew writes to a Jewish audience and goes into descriptive detail on how Jesus is the promised Messiah. He often quotes Old Testament passages.
- Mark writes to the Romans who weren’t familiar with Jewish customs. Quick and concise, Mark gets in and gets out and lands the plane. Mark describes Jesus as a servant and savior of the world.
- Luke, a doctor, writes to a Greek audience. He explores the idea that Jesus reaches out to the marginalized–widows, orphans, women, and Samaritans.
- John is a poetic and cosmic gospel written to a wide audience. John focuses on the idea that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God.
- Through the Gospels, we read of Christ’s birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection. But we also learn of His passions, priorities, humanness, and sacrifice.
What are you looking forward to most as we move into the New Testament?
As I was going through Jeremiah, I was getting bogged down with all the destruction. But knowing that Jesus is just around the corner kept me going. He’s coming. I can’t wait to meet up with Him again in this new context. One of the themes I have found is that God’s love is unfailing. And in a week I will be with the fulfillment of that love. (I know He is always with me. But it will be different then.) I’m really excited about how it will be a new experience.
Elisa, hold on tight! Almost there!
Some days it’s hard to complete the whole reading, but I have been amazed at how I’m getting the bigger picture of God’s plan while reading His story at a faster pace. I see Him frustrated at the people who doubt Him and turn their backs on Him, but constantly reaching out, wooing His people to His heart.
Sharla, love seeing how God is revealing himself to you!
The apocrypha fills the gap nicely and would be 10 more days of reading. After Easter, of course!
Charlie, can’t wait to hear what you learn from reading the apocrypha. Do share!
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So glad you enjoyed it!