Re-reading the Bible

For quite some time I have just tried reading the Bible again… Hehehe! Surely I must admit. I haven’t really had my devotion for a long time. Perhaps have had my devotions using other books, but never practically tried to read directly from the Bible, chapter by chapter. Basically we Christians are fond of using other books as a guideline or something that will help us ease out our understanding of the Word of God, the Bible. But I believe the Bible can speak for its own, as it is closest to hearing God Himself speak by reading through the Word of God. True it’s hard to understand the words on its own, but as the Word itself has spoken, the Comforter will teach us all things and bring all things to remembrance. In other words, the Comforter or the Holy Spirit should teach us and reveal to us what we ought to learn.

John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Practically, I started reading the Bible after being challenged by my father recently, asking me if I have read the whole Bible. Of course my answer was “No.” I did remember: I tried reading it chapter by chapter when I was at high school, every night. I was consistent and tried to read a chapter every day at night. I even had my notebook trying to write things I learned. But as far as I can remember, I think I went as far as……. Oops I can’t remember….. I only remember the book of Genesis. I also remember repeating to read Genesis again. But that wasn’t my goal then, I wanted to read the whole Bible. But I failed. In other words, I wasn’t really that consistent. But one thing I learned, that even as I read the book of Genesis over and over again, I learn new things even from the same story. And perhaps, the same thing I see today.

Though I did not start at Genesis, I started reading Matthew instead. Basically, it made me feel different and think so different. I mean it felt like a new story to me, although I know the story of Mary and Joseph and everything. Perhaps, it’s because it has been long time since I read the Book that gives life. It reminded me of how impossible things God made possible. It also reminded me of God fulfilling His own promises. And as I continue to read, one chapter somehow struck me more. Matthew Chapter 5

If I could remember this chapter is where you can find what they call “The Beatitudes” (whatever that means). The latter verses, makes me fascinated on how Christ talked and preached that day. So indifferent from what man practically or instinctively responds to any circumstances Christ gave. It is totally the opposite of what man will respond. And truthfully? I can’t even see these responses to our day-to-day activities as Christians. I wonder if I can do the same. Truthfully at some point I too fail. But wouldn’t it be really great if this will be true to our lives? How amazing that would be?

I remember a part of Ptr. Donald Tandoc’s preaching, just recently, about meekness. Truly it is synonymous to the word humbleness. But I liked the way he defined it and he said “something” like this “Ang meekness po e ganito… Ikaw ay tinatadyakan na.. sinasampal na.. dinuduraan na… at wala ka pa rin ginagawa kundi patuloy na minamahal at minamahal ang taong gumagawa ng di maganda sa yo.” And that’s true! I agree with him. That’s because that’s the picture of how Christ died, suffered and agonized for the sake of me and for all mankind. The One who knew no sin, died at the cross, so that those who believe in Him might be saved. And, as I remembered, when Ptr. Tandoc asked the congregation “Kaya po ba natin gawin to?” I felt the silence that struck the congregation. Surely they seem to have never heard this kind of point of view before. Or perhaps, they weren’t really reading their Bible that much, when the Bible itself is actually covered all over it. Or, I mean it’s written all over it.

Oh, how I wish God’s people will learn to die for their brethren, as Christ has died for them as well…

1 John 3:16 (New International Version)
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.