On January 1, 2018 I began day 1 of the “read the Bible in a year” plan. Reading the entire Bible was something I had always wanted to do but until that time, had not done. I decided to set it as one of my New Years’ goals, and by the grace of God, I was able to maintain the discipline of daily reading. On December 31, 2018, I completed the reading plan.
One of my biggest take-a-ways from that time in the Word was the recognition of God’s sovereignty and glory in all things. I remember being surprised to see how often God acted “for the sake of His name.” As I read through the Old Testament that phrase really stood out to me! Admittedly, I struggled with maintaining interest in some books more than others, particularly when it came to the books of the law and chapters containing genealogy.
On January 1, 2021, I decided I wanted to again follow my “read the Bible in a year plan,” but this time with a bit of a twist. I decided to follow the schedule by reading the chapters in the assigned order, but not necessarily within the designated time frame. Instead, I read a chapter or two per day (or every other day). I took my time reading through the footnotes of my study Bible, checking the cross references and additional footnotes. As I learn best by writing my own notes, I kept a notebook and recorded the main points from each chapter. While my first journey through the Bible was remarkable, this time through was even better. Here’s a glimpse of what I learned…
One of the biggest surprises of my second read-through was how much I enjoyed Exodus and Leviticus. The giving of the law and the instruction for the Israelite people is simply incredible! Now when I read the law, I see it through the lens of God’s holiness, our depravity, and how this covenant of law demonstrates God dwelling with his people. I also know that it was only a shadow of the better covenant that was to come. It was amazing to study the footnotes, gaining a better understanding of how Jesus fulfilled all of the law and became our perfect atonement.
As I read chapter upon chapter describing the specific offerings and sacrifices to be made on behalf of the people’s sin, I thought about what it must have been like to be that connected to one’s own sin. To kill and sacrifice an animal as a representative of oneself is something so far removed from us because of the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ. Yet, this sacrificial system shows that an unclean, defiled people cannot have communion with a holy God without an atonement. Amazingly, the entire system pointed to God’s provision for our salvation- the perfect Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
The law also demonstrated how the people were to worship God. As I read the detailed instructions regarding the tabernacle construction I was reminded of the reverence and awe that should characterize our worship. I was also reminded that He is worthy of this type of worship because He alone is holy! This part of the law challenged me to think about my heart posture and approach to worship. While I can certainly worship with the familiarity and comfort of a daughter, I should always keep in mind the holiness of the God I am worshiping!
Finally, all of the laws regarding how we are to treat one another demonstrates God’s perfect love and justice. It truly is a beautiful revelation of who He is.
Though Christ has become our righteousness by perfectly fulfilling the law, the Old Covenant law is still to be loved because it shows us the character of God and the provision of Christ. Through it we learn we are sinners incapable of saving ourselves, unable to stand in God’s holy presence. And yet we rejoice because the law points us to God’s great grace and provision! In His love, He has made a way for sinners such as you and I to have communion with Him. The law makes way for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, our Savior. For these reasons we can join the psalmist in exclaiming, “Oh how I love your law!” (Psalm 119:97).
nicolebyrum.com 