All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16
Over the next few posts, I want to explore Scripture. In particular, how we approach Scripture. What happens the moment your fingertips touch the cool, smooth leather-bound Bible? What is racing in your heart and mind and soul as you begin to flip through the thin pages? Noticing what is awoken within us before we even read a word of Scripture is vital because that frame effects/affects how we interpret. Is Scripture some divine rule book? Some wiki-like source of divine instruction? Lots of people are fond of the St. Augustine approach. When he was wrestling with life, and life was wrestling back and winning, he heard a voice say, "Pick up and read." He did. He read Romans 13, which talks about putting on Christ and setting aside the desires of the flesh (apparently, Augustine caroused and lived a loose live...he might have just as well turned to the Parable of the Prodigal Son). That moment changed his life. So, if it "worked" for him, it might "work" for us, right? Depends on what you mean by "work"?
What do you expect to encounter when you open the Bible? That question is vital! If we don't name and claim our expectations, they will continue to surge beneath the surface, impacting without really being noticed.
Recently, I have been especially fond of thinking about Scripture as a stain-glass...God's light shining through, but in different ways depending on the day. You could also think of Scripture as a kaleidoscope, with each turn reveals something slightly new. Or maybe Scripture as a piece of art that beckons to be studied slowly. The tension starts with the realization that because Scripture is written in our language, we think we should immediately understand. But, miscommunication happens all the time...just ask my family. I send a text my wife reads one way, I meant it another. And it is tough to try to clarify with something a thousand years old.
2 Timothy talks about Scripture being God breathed. You may have heard this translated as "God inspired" (which usually is used as a defense for taking the Bible literally, as though any other option is less than). But to breathe in Scripture would mean something different. To breathe in makes it a part of who we are, not just some ancient text to be studied from a distance (more on that in the next post). Theologian Karl Barth is oft-quoted as saying, "I take the Bible too seriously to take it literally." I like that quote, because I want there to be some mystery when I open the pages. I don't assume I know fully the intention or sacredness inscribed in each tiny word. I don't assume I get it. As a matter of fact the disciples in the gospels often miss the point continually, that pretty well describes me too! I miss the point because there is beautiful mystery that beckons me.
Just as a kaleidoscope is not exactly a picture, but still visually beautiful, so can Scripture be too. So, what are you waiting for. Go get that Bible off your shelf...wipe off the dust...and before you open it, what do you hope, pray, anticipate, desire to breathe in as you open the pages?
That question holds more than a trace of God's grace for us.
Blessings ~
What do you expect to encounter when you open the Bible? That question is vital! If we don't name and claim our expectations, they will continue to surge beneath the surface, impacting without really being noticed.
Recently, I have been especially fond of thinking about Scripture as a stain-glass...God's light shining through, but in different ways depending on the day. You could also think of Scripture as a kaleidoscope, with each turn reveals something slightly new. Or maybe Scripture as a piece of art that beckons to be studied slowly. The tension starts with the realization that because Scripture is written in our language, we think we should immediately understand. But, miscommunication happens all the time...just ask my family. I send a text my wife reads one way, I meant it another. And it is tough to try to clarify with something a thousand years old.
2 Timothy talks about Scripture being God breathed. You may have heard this translated as "God inspired" (which usually is used as a defense for taking the Bible literally, as though any other option is less than). But to breathe in Scripture would mean something different. To breathe in makes it a part of who we are, not just some ancient text to be studied from a distance (more on that in the next post). Theologian Karl Barth is oft-quoted as saying, "I take the Bible too seriously to take it literally." I like that quote, because I want there to be some mystery when I open the pages. I don't assume I know fully the intention or sacredness inscribed in each tiny word. I don't assume I get it. As a matter of fact the disciples in the gospels often miss the point continually, that pretty well describes me too! I miss the point because there is beautiful mystery that beckons me.
Just as a kaleidoscope is not exactly a picture, but still visually beautiful, so can Scripture be too. So, what are you waiting for. Go get that Bible off your shelf...wipe off the dust...and before you open it, what do you hope, pray, anticipate, desire to breathe in as you open the pages?
That question holds more than a trace of God's grace for us.
Blessings ~
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