My Year in the Old Testament

 

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When I think about my quiet times, I frequently break them into three categories: Bible reading, Scripture memorization, and prayer. In 2015, I had decided to spend more time in Bible reading than I had in 2014. I used my chronological Bible to read through the Old Testament. I’ve read through the Bible chronologically before, but I had a renewed appreciation for the Old Testament this year. As our pastor preaches through Matthew, I find myself connecting points to Old Testament passages I hadn’t noticed before. As my Sunday School girls asked questions and sought advice, I found myself encouraging them to read from the Old Testament.

Here’s a few lessons I learned or relearned from my year reading it:

The Old Testament prophecies we quote about Jesus are often located in the middle of very depressing passages.

For example: The beautiful prophecy of Jesus’ birth from Isaiah 9:6-7 that starts with “For unto us a child is born” comes immediately after this verse, “For the trampling boot of battle and the bloodied garments of war will be burned as fuel for the fire.”

It struck me anew this year that I need to be sure to read entire passages of Scripture, not just pick out verses. Because the promise of this Messiah-child who will establish a kingdom with justice and righteousness stands in stark contrast to the “gloom of the distressed land” that prefaces the passage. Praise the Father that He cared enough to have the plan of the Messiah for us!

Sympathy for the Pharisees comes more easily.

I’m not saying they were right, but I definitely understand where they were coming from. After all, they were trying so very hard to follow the letter of the law. But they missed passages like Micah 6:8 that tell them  that the Lord requires them to act justly, love faithfulness, and walk humbly with God. I think that’s easier for us to emphasize today because we have the benefit of the New Testament and so many teachings from Paul. They had the Old Testament which, quite frankly, is chalked full of rules. I really feel sad that the people with so much head knowledge about Scripture missed the main point. As a person who loves head knowledge, this is a strong warning I need to remember in my own life.

The Old Testament reads like a history book.

History was not my best subject in school but I wish I had learned more of it. It’s amazing to read of all the kings and rulers that changed the course of history with their decrees. And yet, even in the middle of bad circumstances, people like Moses, David, and Joseph were able to cling to their faith and rise in the political world to keep the people obedient to God.

No matter where you are reading in Scripture, or how many times you’ve read the same passages before, the Holy Spirit is able to reveal new truths and new applications to our lives. The author of Hebrews was correct when they described the Word of God as “living and active.”

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About the author

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Renae Adelsberger

Renae lives in Jackson, Tennessee with her husband Kevin. She works in insurance and teaches middle school girls Sunday school. She has a desire to see young women grow in Christ, she writes and speaks to that end.

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