About a month ago I signed up with my friend Aurie to join a Bible in 90 Days reading group, starting February 1st. So far I’m hanging tight, but whew, this is an eye-opener already for me!
I have to admit, I’ve never read the Bible completely, cover to cover. I have read the entire New Testament and a good portion of the Old by now, but never the whole thing. I didn’t even know there was a Book of Obadiah and a Book of Nahum in there until the last year or so. (And I still haven’t read Nahum!)
The Bible in 90 Days program is not an in-depth study program. It’s simply a daily reading plan (about an hour a day) that will get you through the whole thing in 3 months. The idea is to give you a broad understanding of everything that happens and how it all fits together across the entire book. You’re not really supposed to stop to look up words, cross-reference verses, or compare versions. You’re just suppose to read it. (And take notes of where you need to go back later and look up words, cross-reference verses, and compare versions.)
I’m very excited–and a little shocked already.
Did you know that Abraham remarried after Sarah died? I had no idea! I don’t remember ever hearing anyone mention Keturah and the 6 sons they had together. (Genesis 25:1-2)
Did you know that Noah took more than just one set of each kind of animal? Some of them he took seven pairs. (Genesis 7:2-3)
And don’t even get me started on Lot’s daughters! (Genesis 30-38)
To read the actual stories, word for word, while the children’s books and movies and Sunday School coloring pages all float through my head has really been a wonder for me.
One thing that stuck out the first few days (besides wondering how in the world the Lord could stand those ungrateful Israelites! And aren’t we like that too?!) was the story of Issac and Rebekah. They had their problems (doesn’t everyone?) but in Genesis 24:67 it says “…and she became his wife; and he loved her…” That’s the first time in the Bible that the world love is used between a husband and wife. I underlined it. Even Adam never said anything about loving Eve. Of all things, it brought tears to my eyes.
I decided to stick with the King James Version this time, although they recommend that you use the NIV. It’s tougher, no doubt about it. But to keep from getting bogged down, I started jotting down verse numbers on the back of my reading plan that I want to go back and look up later. I’ve also made some notes in my prayer journal about overall questions I want to explore later. Like why are there pages and pages of genealogies? What is it God wants us to get out of having those in there?
I think I might follow this 90 days up with a one year Bible reading and study plan to dive in to some of these. We’ll have to see. But I’m definitely already being rewarded with this project.
If you want to try it too, you’re welcome to catch up with our group, or visit Moms Toolbox and find another group kicking off soon. I think there’s at least one other group that started after us.
