Last year when the Corona virus situation developed, I had reached John 17 on my New Testament reading list. That chapter included Jesus’ prayer before his arrest and crucifixion.
He prayed for his disciples who had been with him in his earthly ministry and then prayed for those who would become Jesus followers without ever having seen him.
I guess I had just been reading that passage as I would read a story but had never before really grasped that those Jesus followers he mentioned after the "but also" referred to me personally and all others who believe but have never seen Jesus physically.
John 17:20-21New International Version reads “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:20-21NIV
It was especially comforting as COVID-19 sparked mandated changes that swept through our lives.That experience confirms for me once again the absolute necessity for my reading through God's Word each year.
I am amazed at and thankful for how each year different Bible passages pop out for me. They flood my being with fresh and powerful perspectives just when I need help--for meeting current challenges, dealing with unexpected change or recognizing and eliminating bad habits and attitudes!
Reading the Bible through every year has become an adventure that I treasure.
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I have read it 3 times only. I do understand what you are saying. I must say there were 3 old testament books i skipped most of so can't say i read every word
ReplyDeleteGod's Word is always relevant to today. thanks for the encouragement to keep on reading.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much in the Bible that I would love to discuss with someone really knowledgeable. Funny, thing, different times it is different. And yes, at different times different things pop out.
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