Why should I follow a Scripture reading program (again)?

In December 2019, nearly three in ten Americans said that they plan to make New Year’s resolutions for 2020. Here are the results: (Source: https://fm100.com/2020/01/09/top-ten-resolutions-for-2020/)

  1. Exercise more
  2. Saving money
  3. Eat more healthily
  4. Lose weight
  5. Reduce stress
  6. Get more sleep
  7. Stick to a budget
  8. Focus on my spiritual growth
  9. Travel more
  10. Learn a new skill

What is one thing in common for the successful implementation of any of the resolutions above? An extra dose of will power and resolve is helpful but it will not be sustainable without scheduled accountability. Think about it - exercise and losing weight cannot happen without an intentional schedule to translate resolution to results. What we do regularly with our time creates the rhythm of consistency, translating into a set of renewed habits. 

There is no better way to "focus on my spiritual growth" (resolution #8) than to "long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation." (1 Pet 2:2). Furthermore, "all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (2 Tim 3:16-17). Sure, you may have tried many "Bible reading programs" before and the resolution in the beginning may have fizzled out halfway through the year (or when you hit the book of Leviticus or Numbers!). Hence, how will we do it differently this time round? Here are three principles to keep us on track:

  1. Progression, not perfection.

    We will be reading through the Bible as a single drama divided into six acts. The goal is to comprehend Scripture from a redemptive historical standpoint as God unfolds His covenantal dealings not only with Israel but with all the nations as well. Sure, there are "tough" passages along the way but our goal is to progress through the pages of Scripture so that there is an appreciation of observing the hand of God at work through history and then finding our place in the drama of Scripture. We can then proclaim together with the Psalmist - "This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes." (Ps 118:23).

    Here are the six acts:
  2. Consistency, not completion.

    We would like to promote a culture of guilt-free Bible reading. In most probability, some of us will miss reading certain chapters in the schedule and then scurry along to try and catch-up. In this journey that we are embarking on, it is perfectly fine if you are not able to complete the scheduled readings of the week, just start off with the new set of readings for the following week when it comes along. The aim is for consistency rather than a 100% completion. At the end of this year-long program of going through the pages of Scripture, it is our desire that you develop an appetite to "eat what is good and delight yourself in abundance." (Isa 55:2).

  3. Encouragement, not expectation. 

    "..encouraging one another, and all the more, as you see the day drawing near." (Heb 10:25). It is easy to turn a well-intentioned program into a moralistic agenda. The goal for this Emmaus Heartburn blog/podcast is for us to encourage and support each other to love the Word of God and ultimately, the God of the Word. Although the church in Ephesus was commended for their deeds, toil and perseverance (Rev 2:2), yet Jesus had this against them - "that you have left your first love." (Rev 2:4). The ethos of what we are straining towards is not the imposition of "spiritual expectations", rather we seek that your minds "may not be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." (2 Cor 11:3). It is Christ-centered devotion that is the end result, not a set of moralistic (or legalistic) expectations. 
The two disciples on the road to Emmaus was so caught up with the drama of the day that their eyes did not recognize the real drama of redemption, personified - walking with them - Jesus Christ, the Son of God. "And beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures." (Luke 24:27). What was the result? The eyes of the disciples were opened and they said to one another, "Were not our hearts burning while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:31-32). 

Welcome to Emmaus Heartburn, where we pray that your heart will burn as you journey with the living Logos Himself (John 1:1), Jesus Christ as He opens your eyes to the great redemptive drama of all the Scriptures and in the process, begin to discover your place in the biblical story.

Look out for the next posting where I will introduce the tools we will be using ...

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