In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus treated the elements of nature like a class of unruly third-graders—Quiet! Be Still! Then the wind died down and it was dead calm.

Jesus turned and rebuked his disciples (who shook him awake in fear) for their lack of faith, for forgetting who rode in their boat.

But the disciples response shakes me: They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

These new followers of Jesus whipped from fear of the storm to terror of the man sharing their boat.

An unknown aspect of Jesus emerged, bringing an oppressive sense of awe. The divine leaked around the edges and the disciples caught it. At that moment Jesus was too much for them.

We catch only a sliver of Jesus’s power. This storm offered a glimpse of what he’s capable of. It must have been truly awesome, in every sense of the word, to rock quietly in that boat as the waves died down.

Jesus, a friend to sinners, a comfort to those in need, who healed the sick and raised the dead—also terrorized his closest followers when they glimpsed his true nature.

I wonder if I know enough about Jesus to find him terrifying?

Mark 4 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Axel Antas-Bergkvist

We all think various family members are crazy. When I was a teenager I thought my parents were crazy. Why be so bothered when their son drove his old truck into the Buffalo river? He got it out again…

Then I became a parent and learned that all teenagers are insane—my parents were right all along.

Early in his ministry, Jesus’s family actually left home to come get him, thinking he is out of his mind. Jesus caused a stir by restoring a man’s shriveled hand on the Sabbath, and drew huge crowds as he healed both physical and spiritual diseases. The surrounding area rollicked under Jesus’s influence, and his family decided to step in.

They arrived too late to keep the miracle worker under wraps. Watching Jesus at work, his family realized that Jesus was not out of his mind, but rather stone cold sober. A Jesus they never knew emerged—the Messiah and the Savior of the world.

In reality, we’re all out of our minds, crippled by sin, unable to acquire a sound mind on our own. Jesus brings clarity, pure thinking, and God’s reality when he enters our life. When we encounter Jesus our shriveled souls stretch back out toward our Creator.

Crazy looks pretty good when Jesus is in the room.

Mark 3 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Claudio Schwarz

My plan is to read through the Bible this year—every word. I always start the year strong, but over time my resolve fades. How to keep going day after day?

When taking on such a big book I want to form a habit. I usually read at the same time (morning) in the same place (living room) with the same items around me (coffee and journal). As I continue day after day, I look forward to these early moments in my schedule.

Even then, some days I think, maybe I’ll just skip it. If that’s the way you’re feeling, you’re not alone. Along with developing the practices to create a good habit, it helps me to stay aware of several habit-busters that derail my efforts.

Here’s a few I beat back regularly:

In Summary

As you can see, I’ve developed a pretty good list of personal habit-busters. You may add some of your own. Even though I read through the Bible annually, I still have to fight through the inertia of getting started some days.

The Word of God is living and active. My heart and soul, as well as the people around me, are better off as I develop—and stick with—the habit of giving part of my day to the Scriptures.

Reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by madeleine ragsdale

In the account of creation, we hear how the Lord brought everything into existence. Amidst the furious action, only a few words describe forming the vast expanse of space—He also made the stars.

How easy for the Lord and how wonderful for you and me, that God created the stars. Writing in Psalm 19, David described the importance of this host: The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the word of his hands…night after night they reveal knowledge…their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.

I’m enthralled with the pictures from the James Webb Space Telescope. Gazing at images from deep space, David’s words reverberate in my mind. The heavens indeed declare God’s glory, and if this is the work of God’s hands, then I have no idea what God can really do. I’m humbled.

In the same psalm, David zooms from the heavens to the Scriptures, comparing light to light—the commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. While I can gaze above in wonder, I hold on my lap words from the same Creator.

Indeed, when I open the Word of God I hold the stars in my hands.

Thank you Lord for this new year, one you knew in eternity past, and one which holds no surprises for you. Thank you for a powerful space telescope, built by clever engineers, to view your creation closer than ever before. Help me to remember this year that your commands, like your skies, remain radiant.

Genesis 1 and Psalm 19 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo from NASA