Time & Thyme Again

Towards the end of every year, I trust the LORD for a word to guide me as I see another set of 366 unknown knowns looming on the horizon. This year, I was especially eager to hear His voice, as I faced both the beginning of a new year and a new era. Brimming with excitement, as I love all things new, I was intrigued to find the Spirit’s leading me not to A word, but THE Word.

Unlike many other Christians, reading through the Bible is not something I do every year.
A friend listened to me once excitedly expounding on a new revelation and ancient meaning I discovered in a commentary and made a remark about my tendency to dig for gold. The downside to this approach, is that I hardly get through a chapter a week, let alone a book in a month! As you can imagine, reading through the Bible in one year, is a major commitment and discipline.

I decided to use Selwyn’s Hughes chronological Bible Reading plan – again! Putting Job after Noah makes so much sense, as does pairing each prophet with the king during whose reign they ministered. The last time I attempted doing this, it took me 1 year and 4 months to complete my 365 days, yet, I had high hopes for better statistics this time around. But to my horror, I am even slower getting through my daily portion. As you can imagine, lockdown was a godsend and while I caught up nicely, I am still lagging behind.

One of the negatives of choosing a chronological reading plan, is that I have to wait a long time before I can get to Jesus and the New Testament. On the other hand, it has taught me to look for Him every day – and I was not disappointed.

o In Genesis I found Jesus in Joseph. Both were bought for silver, both were innocent but condemned and both were raised up by God’s power after terrible humiliation.
o In Exodus, Jesus is both our High Priest and the Passover lamb.
o In Leviticus, we are confronted by God’s holiness and given a better understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice.
o In Numbers, where a bronze snake is raised in the desert, we see Jesus lifted up, so that all who believe in the cross, may receive eternal life.
o In Deuteronomy we meet Jesus as the mediator of a new covenant.

Time and time again, I met Jesus Christ through my daily readings. And today, as I am standing with my feet in the Jordan river, ready to enter the Promised Land, it is Jesus I am anxious to meet more than anything else I will read.

Which reminds me of the story I came across some time ago – of a lonely and bitter man who did not want to be unhappy, but he was. He went to his minister for advice and was challenged to confess his sin of ignorance. You see, the Messiah was disguised as one of his neighbours – and he did not realize it.

The man left, puzzled, but determined to find him. Then he began to notice things he had never seen before.
o The grocer often carried heavy bags to the cars of older ladies. Maybe it was him…
o The teller in the shop on the corner, always had a smile for the kids. Maybe it was her…
o The paperboy always took extra care with his newspaper. What if it was him…
o Then there was the butcher who sometimes added an extra bone for his dog. Maybe it was him…

With time, his outlook began to change and the bounce returned to his step. His eyes started to smile again and when others spoke, he listened – for maybe the Messiah needed assistance!

When we leave our homes after this time of lockdown, may we too start to look for Jesus – for I believe He is living in our neighbourhood, taking the bus with us every day, attending our church!

But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 4:29