It's The Little Things

Have you ever read through the Bible in a year? I've done it a few times now and there is no greater thrill than when you move from the Old Testament where you've been reading daily for 9 months and plunge into the New Testament where you'll finish out the year (except, of course, when you complete the goal!). Nothing says January more than Genesis to me and I love the new challenge each time I take it. This year our church decided to read it collectively in chronological order and each Sunday the daily readings for the week are posted in the bulletin.

Last Saturday while I was reading I noticed that Monday was October 1st. I also noticed I was to read the book of Malachi on the 30th. Hmmmmm.....I know Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament, but is it chronologically too? I also know that the schedule is usually 9 months Old Testament, 3 months New Testament. It would make sense since October 1st marks the last 3 months of the year. Could it be time for the New Testament and some stories about Jesus? Did this milestone sneak up on me? I got so excited I could barely stand it. I nearly called the secretary because I couldn't wait to get to church and find out for myself the next day. Decisions!! What to do? It's like snooping to see your Christmas gifts ahead of time.

I decided to wait it out. But Sunday morning I charged into that building (like a kid on Christmas morning) and got myself a bulletin first thing and sure enough - the Gospels of the New Testament are all over this week's schedule. A goal accomplished...at least through the Old Testament. I’m almost there! (I'll let you know on Dec. 31st if I make it all the way!)

Why such a big deal? If you have ever committed to this particular goal, you know why. All year reading the Old Testament can seem long and sometimes boring. But the truth is that all these accounts are just a teaser for the coming of Christ. Waiting to see when God is going to break through and finally send the long awaited for Messiah. It is exciting! I love the Old Testament so much. It is rich in characters, history, tragedy, comedy, miracles and everything you wanted to know about God. But there’s something special about stepping into the time when Jesus was here on the Earth and in a way walking with Him while reading these sacred pages. It has been worth the wait. He never disappoints.

I hate to think about how much time I’ve wasted in my life on the pursuit of things that don’t matter, things that won’t point me to Christ, things that don’t open my eyes to what He’s doing in this world right now. But spending this year in His Word, tracing His fingerprints and sovereignty down through the ages from creation to today and getting to know the God who loves me and has a plan for my life – this is a worthy pursuit.

It's the little things in life that bring the most joy, don't you think?