Take up and read; this was the admonishment of St. Augustine to those who wanted to understand Christianity and faith. On January 1st, 2024, I started a one year reading plan of the Bible, something I have never previously done, and finished today, early, on November 28th, 2024; 324 days total. I wanted to do this because a) I had never read it in this way before, b) It would be a challenge for me to stay disciplined, c) I wanted to view the narrative thread woven from Genesis to Revelation in one long, unfolding redemptive story, and d) I wanted my understanding of the truths contained therein to be strengthened.
Here are my reflections on the exercise overall, in no particular order.
1) I think everyone should do this once. It is profitable to read it cover to cover. But it is a surface level exercise and the Bible must be studied to be properly understood. While it is profitable on one level, a lot can be missed when certain things are read this way.
2) I think I read on about 80-85% of the days in total. Some days were missed, while other days I read multiple days readings into one. For the most part I remained consistent even though near the end I struggled a bit to stay consistent. It is easy to get bogged down into books that may not be favourites. I had to force myself at times to stay on the program.
3) Some days I could barely remember what I had read and struggled through some of the denser OT passages, while other days I could have kept on going for the words were alive and jumping off the page. For example, I read almost all of The Revelation in one sitting and found it far more moving that way (and discovered a new favourite passage in the meantime). Other times were a struggle but it was important to push through and keep going in the hopes that even something small would be impactful.
4) One can only conclude that this Book is of divine origin. No man, or men, could have written this, or would have written this, without the words and concepts being given to them. From the story of grace and redemption in Jesus, to fulfilled prophecies centuries apart, the heavenly hand behind the Bible is seen on every single page. It is its own testimony to its divine origin. One need only read it to understand.
5) Those who criticize or castigate the Bible as some ancient, dusty book of the ramblings of crazy men, have clearly never taken the time to really read it. They reject it a priori before they even read it. They criticize it because they do not like what it contains; they disparage it because it shines a light on the darkness of this world and the hearts of men (my heart!), and calls them to live in a way that glorifies Someone greater than themselves. To the natural man, its message is abhorrent. They reject it not because they believe it to be false, but rather, because on some level they know it is true.
6) I would not recommend this method to the first time reader. It is a good idea to the one who has familiarized themselves with the history and theological concepts contained therein. Someone new to the Bible should read, study, meditate, and pray over smaller sections of text.
7) I am glad I did it. It was worth the time and the investment. This is the means by which God speaks to us today and the only way we can understand what He wants for us. To the inquirer, my only advice is this: Take up and read.
Revelation 19:11-16
11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.
12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.
13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.
14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.
15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS