Scripture is meant to be read. It tells a most wonderful Story; the Story of God at work in Christ making a people for himself from all nations.
In a day when everyone wants to do a Bible study what Christian communities really need is more Bible reading.
What’s the difference?
Bible study asks, “What does the text mean?”
Bible reading asks, “What does the text say?” Reading the Bible is listening to the Story. Were I to receive a note from my wife, I would not begin by parsing the language or questioning the context within which it was written. I would not ask, “What was in the mind of the author?” I would simply read. Read to enjoy the self-communication that is writing. I would not study the letter, I would read it.
There is a place for Bible study; a very important place. But study follows reading. Start at the beginning of the Book and read it simply to hear. No studying. No parsing. No cross-referencing. Just reading.
Do you have a plan for reading (not studying) the Bible? If so, what is it?
