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CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY
Remember the phrase, “You can’t see the forest for the trees?”
When that expression describes our perspective, we need to take a step back and adjust our focus. We need to take time to see a bigger picture.
Perspective makes all the difference.
People often think the only valuable Bible study is digging deeper into the meaning of a word, or verse. A caution though, for if we fail to find the context of the selection, we easily miss the point.
Even common English grammar makes a big difference in how we understand, paying attention to the commas and periods.
I attended a study group where the six-week focus was an overview of the whole Bible. My first thoughts ranged from “Well, of course — the Bible is God’s word. Yes, we need to know it,” to “I already know a lot about it, so maybe this will bring a different perspective.”
Soon I heard comments like, “Ooh — I never knew how that fit together before,” and “Wow, this seems like one big, connected story.”
As weeks passed, I realized the need for both perspectives.
This reminded me of the infinite value of the one story, Genesis to Revelation: a story of love, purpose, specificity, and a message to everyone for all times.
This helped me appreciate genealogies and the odd names we encounter, recognizing that God had a plan — beginning in Genesis 1:1, concluding with Revelation 22:21.
I recall a teacher who said to an adult class: “We all know the story of Moses in the bullrushes.” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a young woman barely shake her head and I wanted to always remember that not all adults know or understand childhood Bible stories.
We must be ready to share truths from adult perspectives.
Too many consider the Old Testament as irrelevant today, yet it begins with God’s story from creation. Truths. Examples. Peoples’ response to God’s commands or warnings.
As you read, you’ll also find descriptions of feelings, situations and questions, along with encouragement and inspiration applicable to us today.
Remember, the Old Testament was the Bible Jesus knew — the one He read — so that must be pertinent for us.
We must value the forest, the whole story, and the trees, the small parts.
You will be richer for it! Until next week, Anita
Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.
