That’s right, the whole book. Many of my friends are in the process of reading through the Bible this year, but I got started late, so just decided to take the list and see where it went. Needless to say, my schedule (when I started) had over a month to go just to catch up. Then, there was the double readings every day. So, my decision was just to start reading.
Discovered some very interesting things in Genesis, and did not try to get bogged down in searches or “why” type things. Usually we read parts and parts as story, with no connection other than “it’s from Genesis.” Yes, we read the creation story and Noah and Joseph, but they seem so separated.
My reading was continuous. So many bits of good news, and there were times when I stopped to find a map just so I could get a little centered. Almost makes me want to be an archeologist, searching for the places mentioned. After all, there are few if any maps from that long ago. It would be like a treasure hunt. I can almost see it now, stumbling into the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite, or Joseph’s tomb (perhaps a pyramid) in Egypt.
But the real catch came in the last chapter. Usually when we think about prophecies about Jesus, they come later in the Bible, but right there, Jacob (aka Israel) said “(from Joseph) is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel.” (Gen 49:24) What an awesome reminder that even that far back in time (over 5000 years ago), God was already planning great things for ME! Not that it was for just me, but we each need to claim His promise for ourselves.
Amazing what a little reading can do for you. There were mornings when I did not want to stop reading because the story went on and on – “what’s next?” kept creeping into my mind. I’m glad the book is still available for us to read, and that I live in a country where that can happen without having to hide or be ashamed. Better yet, I’m thankful that He still speaks to us through old words – all we have to do is open our minds and let him speak.