Category: Bible (Page 8 of 395)

This may be obscure Bible trivia, but if you do the math it appears that Methuselah, the oldest man in the Bible, might have died in the Great Flood. If so, can we claim his was a life cut short?

The text gives his age at 969 years old upon his death. Which by any count is a good, long life. Some scholars believe he died right before the waters rose. One Jewish tradition teaches that Methuselah died seven days before the Flood. These days were given so the people could mourn his passing, reflect on his exemplary life, watch as animals thronged into the ark, realize that imminent catastrophe was upon them and and receive a final appeal for repentance.

But apparently no one repented, and furthermore we have no record of Methuselah living a life of faithfulness. On the contrary, we read that of all the people living at the time only Noah found favor in the eyes of God. While Methuselah’s father walked closely with the Lord, young people often reject the faith of their elders. Each of us faces God on our own terms.

Do I believe that Methuselah died in the flood? Sadly I do. The Scriptures tell us that wickedness spread throughout the earth and I think Methuselah got caught up in the culture. Happens all the time. Fortunately his grandson arrived to build a boat and batten down the hatches. I wonder if Methuselah sat and mocked as the ark took shape, or did he slowly come to realize his own need for repentance?

It’s ironic that the oldest man in the Bible did not die of old age. But the Lord follows strange patterns. Pay attention, and don’t be surprised if this reality proves true in your own life as well.

Genesis 5 & 6

Photo by Donald Teel

After a week or so, most New Year’s resolutions fade. It’s uphill all the way when starting a new habit or breaking an old one. The only successful practice I’ve ever set in place at the start of the year involved flossing my teeth. That one stuck because of the woman at the sink next to me asking me about flossing every night. A little accountability goes a long way.

One commitment I’ve never regretted is spending time in the Scriptures. King David wrote: The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

David boasted of the joy and enlightenment gained from God’s Word. He declared the teachings of the Lord to be sweeter than honey and more valuable than gold.

Most New Year’s resolutions revolve around improving ourselves. Walking more or reading good books or even flossing our teeth certainly makes our lives better.

But in light of all that we hope for at the deepest levels, what more powerful way to better ourselves than to take up the Good Book?

Psalm 19

Photo by Annie Spratt

The Bible begins with this line: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

I find hope in the purposeful nature of creation. God chose to bring the world into existence, ex nihilo (out of nothing), giving his time and attention to the process. Day by day God layered wonders. Stars, oceans, swarming creatures below the seas and magnificent beasts roaming the lands. In the midst of this cornucopia of curiosities, the Lord placed Adam and Eve.

A rival hypothesis posits the universe arose through a random assortment of cosmic accidents, out of dust and energy from who knows where. Through a series of collisions over billions of years, perfect conditions developed on a planet for life to spark and take hold. This living iota pulled itself from the sludge, and after several more billion years walked erect. You and I are simply the result of an unseeing and uncaring cosmos, here for a minute and then absorbed back into the void.

I reject that theory of creation, both on scientific and theological levels. God created, and in so doing imbued this world with meaning. My life and yours, knitted in the womb by God’s himself, carries purpose and significance. Not merely accidental side-effects, you and I are children of the Creator. May we live this new year with that in mind, as men and women the Lord placed on this planet to enjoy him and serve others.

Genesis 1:1

Photo by Ravi Pinisetti

I’m starting this new year with the goal of reading all the way through the Bible. I’ve grown to love the practice, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Regardless, whether reading long sections of Scripture or delving into shorter passages, time spent with God in his Word molds us in profound ways. But it don’t come easy—distractions pop up every day. As a result I’m developed a few habits that keep me focused. The following are 8 of the best practices I’ve experienced as I’ve spent time in the Bible over 45 years:

Pick a Bible version you find engaging. I’ve read the Bible cover to cover thirty-two times in at least a dozen different versions. The last couple of years I’ve read primarily from the English Standard Version (ESV), the most accurate translation to date. I regularly consult the New International Version (NIV), the New Living Translation (NLT), and The Message (an American language version). The New King James Version (NKJV) contains all the beautifully worded, classic passages that I love, while leaving out most of the “thees” and “thous.” While I prefer reading a physical Bible, I also use both the YouVersion Bible app and the ESV Bible app on my phone.

Listen to the Bible. My wife loves to listen to the Bible and enjoys the Daily Audio Bible. For more dramatic presentations, try The Bible Experience audio Bible or my favorite, Streetlights.

Choose your best time of day. I find that picking the same time every day to take in the Scriptures helps it happen. As an early riser I prefer the morning. Others opt for the quiet of late evening. For those who listen, a walk at mid-day or during their work commute opens time to hear the Scriptures.

Create a pleasant environment. I read on a comfortable chair with coffee at hand. I read away from my desk and computer, which generate thoughts about work. Instead, create a comfortable nook that allows you to focus on the Good Book.

Turn your phone off. This may actually be the most important item on this list. I constantly attempt to limit distractions, and my phone is the biggest distractor in my life. You and I can go without our phones for an hour—we are not that important. Turn off the ringer and leave the phone in another room.

Select a reading plan. Some years I’ve read the Bible straight from Genesis to Revelation, and other years chronologically (skipping around through the text). The last few years I’ve followed the Five Day Bible Reading Program. I like it because the Old Testament is presented chronologically, and each day contains a New Testament passage. Best of all, you read only five days per week, leaving two extra days for catch-up. I print the plan and keep a copy in my journal.

Keep a journal. I retain more from my reading when I jot impressions as I go. Plus, I’m encouraged when I look back and see what God has shown me over time. Writing helps me think and allows the Holy Spirit to work. I write on a fresh page every day. Nothing to distract me from my thoughts—except my other thoughts.

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your reading. I pray this prayer from Psalm 119: Lord, open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. The Holy Spirit indwells those who follow Jesus and guides us into all truth. Entreat him to direct you. In a mysterious yet profound combination, the Holy Spirit works with the Holy Scriptures to develop holiness in our lives.

I encourage you to make Bible reading a habit. While it may feel daunting, a little bit every day expands your trust in God. Before you know it you too will be seeing wonderful things from the Scriptures. I pray you find a method that clicks, and enjoy your own journey through God’s Word!

Photo by Sincerely Media