It Grows on You

How well do you know the Bible?

Isn’t it amazing that we can discover new things in that precious book even on, say, the twentieth time we read through it?

At times I think I know the Bible pretty well. Then, suddenly, I run across a section that completely baffles me. For instance, will I ever understand I Corinthians 11:1-16, about women needing to wear a head covering and men keeping their heads uncovered?

The Bible is not a book you read just once, like a novel, and can say you know how it goes. Somehow new meanings emerge as you grow in your Christian life. (And we don’t all grasp the various parts of the Bible in the same order.)

In my case I’ve gained new understanding of the book of Revelation in the past couple years. It makes sense now! And Daniel is becoming clearer every day.

Whatever are the most obscure parts to us contain the greatest blessings when understanding breaks through.

I love the parable in Luke 16, where the hero is a dishonest manager. The first time you read it through you wonder why the landowner praises him for changing how much people owe. He’s taking money out of the boss’s pocket, so to speak.

Even parts you understand, like the simple story of Jonah and the big fish, can literally blossom with insights after repetitive readings. I love that book!

Psalm 119:130, “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”

Lamentations 3:22-23, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

One day, maybe years from now, Leviticus will become clear to me, and I’ll be one happy man!