14. My image of Scripture affects how I receive it and how it shapes me.

(Before looking at the questions below, take a few minutes to think about this statement. Invite Jesus to speak to you about what He would like you to notice.) 

If the Bible were God’s personal letter to you, and if Bible was His effort to prepare you to meet Him and connect with Him, how might this change how you read the Scripture?

Is your image of Scripture more like a to-do list or a road map to an adventure?

Is your image of Scripture more like a bill to be paid or a gift card?

Is your image of Scripture like a speeding ticket or a thank you note?

With any book that we choose to read, what we expect from the book will affect how we enjoy it. If we are looking to learn about the history of a country, we will look for a book that addresses that topic. If we want to enjoy poetry, we will search out a book with that content. If we want to enjoy a story, we will look for a novel. So too with the Bible; what we look for in it will shape how we receive it. 

If we imagine the Bible to be a history book about of the people of Israel, or the life of Jesus, or the history of the early church, we will learn this kind of information. If we look at it as a science book, we will look to find what the Bible teaches about science and may compare what science teaches to be true with what the Bible teaches. When we read the Bible as a rulebook, we will look for the things we should be doing in our life on earth. If we approach the Bible as a book of wisdom, then we will expect ideas and advice on how to live well.  

And there are even more ways that we can approach Scripture. Is the Bible a book of answers, or a book that invites questions? Do we expect to find an answer to every question or problem, or does Scripture only give us enough information to begin a search for what we long for and desire? Does the Bible intentionally lead us into mystery and wonder? Is the Bible intended to produce information, or transformation? Is the Bible true and accurate? People read the Bible with many of the above approaches and expectations. 

Although none of these are necessarily wrong ways to read Scripture, there might be a better way. When we approach Scripture with a desire and expectation to hear from God how He loves us and is working for us, when we imagine the words as coming from God and given personally to us by Him, and when we open ourselves to the wonder of His Spirit-Presence as we read, we will experience this book like no other book and be encouraged and guided in our relationship with God.