A couple of months ago I decided that I wanted to try to read the entire Bible in a year. I wanted to come back to this beautiful yet complex book with new eyes. Like many, I have a complicated relationship with the Bible. I’ve been reading it all of my life, yet there have been times when I have had to step away from it. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that the Bible has been used throughout its history to justify some pretty jacked up things. Through the years this book has helped me grow closer to God, but at other times it’s played a role in me wanting some distance.
Despite all of this, I found myself wanting to revisit it, and I decided that I’d like to try to read the entire thing. This is something I’ve tried before, and I’ve never made it through. Most Bible reading plans start in January with Genesis. The last time I did this, I made it through the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible). I got through Joshua and Judges, and then I began to make my way through the glory days of Israel’s history, which centers on the story of David. I’ve always liked David’s story, so this was pretty easy. It was Kings and Chronicles that did me in. There’s lots of repetition, and I got fatigued and quit.
This time I’ve done three things to hopefully help me meet my challenge. First, I’m reading my favorite Bible – The Daily Bible in Chronological Order. What I love about this Bible is that it’s divided into 365 daily readings, but it’s in chronological order, at least according to the editor. There is also a lot of historical and cultural commentary that I find super helpful.
Second, I decided to start two months ago rather than waiting until January. This meant that I began with Ezekiel, a very complicated book. I’ve read the minor prophets, which are sometimes tough to get through. I also made it through the large book of Job, which gave me a lot to think about. I’m about to finish the Old Testament. There are then a few days that cover the intertestamental period and the impact of Greece and Rome on the Hebrew people. And then we start the New Testament. By the time I get to January and start Genesis, I’ll be almost five months in. I’ll have a good foundation, but I’ll also have developed a good habit.
Finally, probably the biggest key is that I’m not doing this alone. My friend Luke is going to be reading with me, and our plan is to meet weekly to discuss. Getting to talk about what we’re reading is going to be great. It will of course give some accountability to meet the challenge, but more than that it will be great for our friendship.
I’m going to use this blog to write from time to time what I’m learning and how it’s shaping my life. I’m excited to dive in and see where this takes me!