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The Bible is one grand narrative; it tells ONE story. The story of redemption spans from Genesis to Revelation, featuring our great God and His plan for His creation. The Old Testament points forward to the New Testament, and the New Testament is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. As we begin to see the connections, Scripture takes on a whole new meaning. There are treasures to be discovered.
Over the next 8 weeks, we will be exploring the story of the Bible from cover to cover. As we move through the Bible chronologically, we will stop at places along the way that speak to God’s plan throughout the history of redemption. In this unfolding drama, we will meet people that God used for His purposes, places that were sacred, and events that shaped the narrative. Nothing is by accident. Every bit of Scripture is God-breathed, purposefully pointing us to the Master Storyteller and Redeemer of our souls.
6. Rescue
Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, fathered 12 sons who became the 12 tribes of Israel. This family went down to Egypt during a famine, but decades later became enslaved to the Egyptians. God heard their cries and called Moses to deliver His people from bondage. Through a series of 10 plagues, God rescued them, divided the Red Sea for them to pass through, and brought them to the mountain of God. Similarly, God rescues us from the domain of darkness and transfers us to the kingdom of the Son He loves.
7. God's Commands
While at Mount Sinai, God gave His people the Ten Commandments. These commandments included the moral law and gave the people instructions on how to live in holiness after a holy God. In Jesus’ day, the religious leaders added many laws that became a burden to the people. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” This is the fulfillment of the law.
8. The Priesthood
God appointed Aaron from the tribe of Levi as high priest. He and his sons were to care for the tabernacle and serve as mediators between God and the Israelites. Every year the high priest made atonement for the sins of the people by entering the holy of holies and sprinkling blood on the mercy seat. But our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ, a priest after the order of Melchizedek, does not have to continue with these annual sacrifices. He gave His life, once for all, and is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven.
9. Failure to Enter the Promised Land
After some time in the wilderness, God brought His people to the edge of the good land He had promised them - a land flowing with milk and honey. Moses sent 12 spies into the land, but 10 of them came back with a bad report (only Caleb and Joshua had faith to believe). The land was exceedingly good as God said, but the people were like giants, and the spies influenced the people to fear and unbelief. So God turned them back to the wilderness where they wandered until that unbelieving generation died.
10. Crossing the Jordan
Due to their disobedience and unbelief, the Israelites took 40 years to make an 11-day trip. It was the second generation who crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. Just as God turned the Red Sea into dry land, He parted the waters of the Jordan and made a way for His people. The priests led the crossing with the ark of the covenant, the very presence of God. Interestingly, years later, Jesus was baptized in that same Jordan River, and the presence of God descended on Him.
This 40-day Bible reading plan spans the metanarrative of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, making stops along the way that speak to God's plan throughout the history of redemption.
Each day includes three passages of Scripture totalling 4-5 chapters of daily reading, a bit from the Old Testament, a bit from the New Testament and a psalm. Challenge yourself to look for connections as you read. Remember, the Bible is ONE story!