Busting Out of the Familiar

READ: JOHN 14:26; 20:31; 2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17; HEBREWS 4:12

How well do you know the streets around your home? As you drive by, you probably know by heart that there’s a gas station on the right and, up ahead, there’s an old blue van that’s been parked in the same spot since the beginning of time. But have you ever noticed something new on that familiar route? Maybe a neighbor painted their shutters a wild shade of avocado green, a coffee shop just took over that abandoned building, or—Wait! Did I just see a giant flamingo statue in that backyard?

If we grew up in church, learning Bible stories and verses week after week, it can be hard to find the motivation to read God’s Word. When we open to a familiar passage, we may think, I already know this story. Why should I read it again?

This may be true about other books, but the Bible is different. God’s words are “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12). If you’re in Christ, you’re in a living and active relationship with the God who wrote the words. That means you’re a part of the story you’re reading—God’s story of rescuing His people and restoring His creation. The climax of this story is the cross, and everything else revolves around it. All throughout the Bible, God is revealing the gospel (or good news) of Jesus, and through the Holy Spirit, God helps us see new aspects of the gospel every time we read. But, practically, how can we train our eyes to see these?

The secret to seeing the new things God is waiting to show you from His Word is to start asking questions. Here are a few to try:

“God, will You open up my eyes to understand what Your Word says?”

“Is there anything about this passage that doesn’t make sense to me?”

“What do these verses say about the big picture of the gospel and what Jesus has done?”

As you ask these questions, remember you are never alone. In Christ, you have the Holy Spirit to guide you as you seek to deepen your understanding of God’s Word. • Mandy Desilets

• When do you struggle to find the motivation to read the Bible? What do you think is the biggest reason behind that struggle?

• When we ask questions, we often end up with more questions. Who is a trusted Christian in your life you could go to with your questions about the Bible as they come up?

For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (WEB)