I was sent a Love Letter....
I didn't realize it at the time, but it greatly influenced how I read scripture. Reading the Bible isn't an intellectual exercise or ascent to a particular theology. No, it's something completely different. It is looking at every passage in light of the entire story, that means all 66 books, letting the Holy Spirit reveal the message for you in that moment. Reading the whole kit 'n caboodle can seem overwhelming. Until ... until ... you realize that it is an epic love story. All of it, and you are the focus of His affection.
In a recent conversation, a friend said that not reading the Old Testament is like ignoring 70% of a love letter.
Whoa, Nelly!! Hold on a minute there.
Well, yeah of course... Why on earth would we ignore significant and vital portions of a love letter? That's nuts. That's just crazy talk. A love letter is meant to be read and reread, pondered, meditated on. It is a reminder that when you-know-what hits the fan, you are still loved, still pursued, still valued, still adored.
God is in the business of redeeming all of creation to himself. Why? Well ... why does one send a love letter? Even if you start in the middle, don't you just want to read it all? I mean, there are sections and books I have read and studied more than others, but I keep reading because I don't want to miss a thing.
Yeah, there's the gushy part toward the back where He talks about His last visit, how He can't wait to see you again, and how hard life is while you are apart. Some people will mock you for waiting for His return, telling you it's all a farce, but you've fallen head over heels for the One who knows you inside and out, everything you have ever done since rejecting Him in the garden. And, yet, it is you He wants to spend eternity with.
Read the Bible in this way, think of it: You walked out, and you aren't physically together right now. He's made sure that everything you need is taken care of and He left a Comforter to be with you until He returns. He sent messages through angels and prophets, and He is faithful to complete what He started. He's not going to abandon you, like others have done. Don't ignore 70% of the Bible. Don't ignore 70% of the love letter. Don't turn a blind eye to how you have captivated His heart!
My beloved speaks and says to me: "Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away, for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree ripens its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away. O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the crannies of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.
~ Song of Solomon 2:10-14 ESV ~
Be known, be loved, be stirred,
Ruth