Series Introduction
For the next seven days, we’ll be reading the Bible with Emily Maurits, one of the contributors to Bible Society Australia’s new ‘Read This’ Youth Bible, which is especially designed to guide young Aussies through the basics of Christianity, answering key questions and offering suggestions for how to mature in the faith. Throughout this devotion series, we’ll be reflecting on the key tenets of our faith, which an important practice for all believers to do, not just young believers. Not only does this enable us to praise God anew for his goodness, but it also equips us to articulate our beliefs to others. What better place to start than the Bible itself!
Reflection:
The Bible is God’s word to us. It records how God interrupted human history in particular times and places. Made up of 66 books of different genres, by about 50 human authors and in three different languages, there is a lot of variety in the Bible! This may also be confusing. It’s important for us to remember that the Bible is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). Just as the Holy Spirit enabled the human authors to write down God’s words, we can ask the Holy Spirit for understanding and perception as we read.
Reading the Bible is a journey which continues for our entire life. We will always be learning new things. It is helpful to remember that most of the Bible is not addressed to individuals, but was written to groups, such as churches, to read together. The best thing we can do if we don’t understand something is ask another believer. Also, the authors of the Bible had a purpose for writing to their original readers. The message to the original readers should be the same message to us today, though we may apply it differently to our 21st century lives.
Why did Luke write his account? How might an understanding of the historic events surrounding Jesus’ life and death change the way you read this Gospel?
Prayer:
Dear Father, thank you for the story of the Bible and the way you have worked and are working in our world. When I open the pages of your word, please help me to set aside my own assumptions and values and lean on your Spirit to help me understand. Amen.