Looking for some good books to curl up with on the couch during
those cold winter evenings? Maybe you
like adventure stories. Or is it history
you like? How about drama or romance? Maybe philosophy, psychology, or
inspirational writings appeal to you.
Whatever your preferences, let me recommend one volume that
has it all: The Bible.
The Bible has been called God’s “Unfolding Drama of
Redemption,” and that it is. The Bible
reveals the nature of God and his plan for mankind progressively through the
ages. The remarkable thing is that God
used a broad variety of literary forms and authors to accomplish that
task. Here are some of the literary
forms and subjects represented in the Bible:
Drama : Job,
Song of Solomon, Jonah
Romance: Song of
Solomon, Ruth
History: Joshua,
Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, portions
of Isaiah
and Jeremiah, Acts
Narrative: Genesis,
Exodus, Numbers, Ruth, Esther, the Gospels, Acts
Poetry: Psalms,
selected passages from the Song of Solomon and the prophets
Prophecy: The
major and minor prophets, portions of the Gospels and Epistles, Revelation
Letters: Epistles
to churches, General Epistles, personal letters of Paul and John
Journals: Ezra,
Nehemiah, parts of Acts
Philosophy: Ecclesiastes,
Proverbs
Psychology: Proverbs
Inspirational: Psalms
Fiction: (Yes,
fiction, used to illustrate spiritual lessons) The Parables of Jesus and of some Old
Testament prophets.
In the Bible you will find literature that will keep you on
the edge of your seat, stir up your indignation, or move you to tears. I always get a lump in my throat when I read
of Jacob’s reunion with his brother Esau (Genesis 33:1-4). Ruth’s deep, unwavering devotion to her
mother-in-law Naomi, and Boaz’s love for Ruth make that book an incomparable
classic.
When I want to reflect on life, to be challenged concerning
my values, Solomon always comes through in his philosophical work,
Ecclesiastes, and in his book of wisdom, Proverbs. David and other psalmists give my heart and
spirit a voice of prayer and praise, and Job helps me understand God and the
reasons for suffering.
The Old Testament prophets inveigh against the same evils
that plague our society today, and they offer hope of a new kingdom of
righteousness through Messiah. That new hope is unveiled in the Gospels that tell of
Messiah Jesus, and in the Epistles that illuminate the deep spiritual meaning
of new life in Christ. God’s plan is
consummated in the Book of Revelation, which concludes with a stunning and
highly symbolic description of the New Heaven and the New Earth.
It’s safe to say that you won’t find more compelling reading
between two covers than you’ll find in the Bible. I suggest that you read through it in
2014. Get a translation that is “essentially
literal,” that is, one that seeks to be faithful to the original words of
Scripture. Some essentially literal
translations are the following: The New
American Standard Bible, the English Standard Version, the New King James
Version, and (for those who can handle 17th century English) the
King James Version (still considered the most literary translation ever
made). I must also mention that the
Geneva Bible is still in print, and it predates the King James Version.
I would also recommend that you read a few chapters in the
Old Testament and one in the New every day.
That way you get a breath of grace to relieve some of the heaviness of
the Old Covenant and the people’s constant waywardness and sin.
Let’s get into the adventure! Start today!
