The Whole Picture

How many books tell a story quite like the Bible does, a story that spans all of history from the beginning of the world to its end? How many other books have such a diverse group of characters that are all connected by a single common thread? How many other books contain everything we need to know about how to live our lives? How many other books have a main character so powerful, yet so perfect in love?

But as amazing as this book is, it is so often taken apart and pieced back together however we want it to be. It is so easy to categorize it, and to set aside the parts we don’t want and the parts we don’t think we need. For example, I find it easy to view the Old Testament more as a history lesson than as a picture of God; but that is such a wrong opinion to have of Scripture. It is easy to see God’s character in the New Testament, because the Gospels are the story of His time here on earth, and it is easy to turn to the Epistles because I know that they contain instructions for how I am to live as a Christian. But the Old Testament also gives a very clear picture of our God; His power, His perfect plan, His love for His people, His holiness, and so many more of His attributes are on full display. I tend to subconsciously think of it as not having much to say to me, because as Christians, we are no longer under the law. But the purpose of the law isn’t to provide a way for me to get Heaven, it is to show me my sin by comparing it to God’s holiness. So as I read through the Old Testament and get a picture of God’s character, it makes me appreciate the New Testament so much more. As I understand how holy He is and how sinful I am in contrast, I get a glimpse of the cost of His sacrifice for me. As I understand my need for him, I fall in love with Him so much more. Then, my obedience to Him is out of love, not obligation. Seeing the bigger picture is so meaningful, and it is incredibly important. I don’t want to have an incomplete view of God, I want to know Him for who He is. I need to focus more on the character of the Author and less on the characters of the Author; because in the end, it will be all about Him and nothing about us.