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THE JOURNEY How to read the Bible…and not get lost By Marnie Vasquez Sometimes you read the Bible 5 times before it clicks. I’m sloooooow. Like, it takes me forever to learn and understand. Eventually, it clicks. For example, I’ve read the Bible 4-5 times, and I still struggle to figure out how to put this massive book together. And then, boom, today’s teaching from Dan…my eyes are wide open, and I see the story arc of the Bible, it all makes sense: Creation > Fall > Israel > Jesus > Church Now that I get! I can follow that and use it as a guide. And then these 2 long sentences from Richard Hays make me rethink and see the Bible, and our daily lives, differently. “The God of Israel, the creator of the world, has acted (astoundingly) to rescue a lost and broken world through the death and resurrection of Jesus; the full scope of that rescue is not yet apparent, but God has created a community of witnesses to this good news, the church. Sentence #1 gave me chills. But so does #2: “While awaiting the grand conclusion of the story, the church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is called to reenact the loving obedience of Jesus Christ and thus to serve as a sign of God’s redemptive purposes for the world.” Since Jesus’ resurrection, this “community of witnesses” has continued to grow. All the while, these witnesses – us Christians – are doing our best to reenact and share the transformation Jesus has made in our lives as we become more like him. And how do we know these reenactments are happening? Countless books, songs, podcasts, videos, letters, art, and more have been created, then and now, sharing the incredible things Jesus has done in our daily lives. These reenactments are all around us. We just need to look for them. In an overly simplistic way it’s like how a musician creates a song, and then others do their own version of it. Or like a fun TikTok trend. Take the “Chicken. Banana” dance. So many people do their version of it. I’ve always loved those trends just to see how people ‘version’ it for themselves. Those two sentences from Richard Hays make me relook at all the things I encounter every day through a brand-new lens. As I’ve been hunting to understand how the Bible applies directly to my life, Dan also said something that made me rethink how I even think about myself: “We aren’t in the story as much as the story is in us.” Dang. I like this new view on how to think about Jesus… the transformation he’s making in my life. It’s been dramatic, especially when I think about where I was 20 years ago and where I am now. I’m honestly scared, even terrified, to think what my life would look like if Jesus’ story didn’t now mark mine. How truly transformed my life has been since I turned towards him. And what’s even crazier, and even exciting, to think about is how this story in me continue to evolve and get better? Jesus is making this change in my life, all I have to do is say “yes”, get out of the way and let him do it. And he’s not done yet. [Monday, May 5] John 5:1-18 Part of not being lost is to ask, “Why does God want me here?” And that’s what we’re going to do right now. As you read today’s passage, ask yourself, “Why does God want me to know all these different parts of this story?” Let this passage sit in your mind for the remainder of the day and ask that question repeatedly. Let your mind do this when you’re in the shower, driving in your car, walking the dog, sitting on the couch, and even laying your head on the pillow tonight. As you do this, my friend, you’ve just spent time with Jesus and he will unravel what he wants you to know today. [Tuesday, May 6] John 5:19-29 Consider reading today’s passage literally. Take each phrase, each sentence at face value. Read slowly. Reflect on what this means and how it impacts your life today. [Wednesday, May 7] John 5:30-47 Before you read today’s passage, take a moment and imagine yourself as a Jewish person living during the time of Jesus. You were born and raised in Jewish tradition. Every part of your life, whether that is your faith, customs, family, has been shaped by the Law of Moses (think 10 Commandments) and the prophets (think Ezekiel, Daniel, Jeremiah, Isaiah). The only scriptures you know are those from the Old Testament, which have been passed down from generation to generation. Now, with this mindset and time in history, read today’s passage as if Jesus were talking directly to you. How would Jesus’ words land with you? What would speak deeply to you? What would challenge you? Then, once you’ve read, return to you in 2025. Reflect on what stood out. What stirs in you today? [Thursday, May 8] John 6:1-15 For the first-time reader of Jesus feeding the 5000, pay attention to how Jesus, two disciples, and one boy fed these people. For those who know this story intimately, reflect on why Jesus chose to slip away and be by himself at the end of this story. [Friday, May 9] John 6:16-34 Read this verse first: “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” Keep this verse in mind throughout today’s passage. And keep this verse close to your heart every day. © 2025 Heartland Community Church |