My Hope for 2023
My hope for 2023 is that Christians would rediscover the Bible. In 2 Chronicles 34 there was a time when God’s people so neglected the Word that they lost it altogether. They didn’t just not read God’s Word, they misplaced the Scripture within the confines of the temple itself!
King Josiah, determined to rid the nation of idolatry, commissioned his officials to renovate the temple. In the process, they stumbled upon God’s Word. They reported their discovery to King Josiah and proceeded to read from the book. The king, nor apparently anyone in that generation, had heard God’s Word before. Josiah responded in deep anguish upon learning that God’s Word had not been upheld: “And when the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes” (2 Chronicles 34:19).
The prophet Amos tells of a day when there would be a famine of “hearing the words of the Lord.” He explains that people will wander in all directions in search of God’s Word but they will not find it (Amos 8:11-12). I believe we live in such a day today.
How could I believe such a thing? After all, there are more Bibles in print today than any other period of human history. We have more Bible studies, Bible commentaries, Bible teaching, and Bible podcasts than time to study them. How could there possibly be a famine of God’s Word?
Simple. Reading books about the Bible is not the same as reading the Bible. Viewing a Bible study by the most popular “communicator" of the day isn’t the same as studying the Bible. Listening to a sermon or a podcast is not the same as reading Scripture. It’s possible that in all of the content we consume, we don’t actually get God’s Word. We just get someone’s opinion about the Word. Commentary can be helpful but only the Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12).
Think about what God has promised to do through His Word. God’s Word can keep us from sin (Ps. 119:11). God’s Word gives the believer wisdom (Psalm 119:24). God’s Word gives us understanding (Psalm 119:99). God’s Word gives us spiritual life and vitality (Psalm 119:25). God’s Word brings us comfort in affliction (Psalm 119:50). God’s Word gives us guidance (Psalm 119:105). God’s Word brings us joy (Psalm 119:111). God’s Word fills our hearts with peace (Psalm 119:165).
There is nothing like diving into Scripture yourself. There is nothing like memorizing Scripture. There is nothing like experiencing the renewal of your mind that happens through the Word. In 2023 I’m going to read books, I’m going to listen to sermons (I’m going to preach some, too!), and I’m going to listen to podcasts. But the most exciting thing I am going to do is open God’s Word and read it. I hope you’ll join me!
Here’s a link to a Bible reading plan if you need some help getting started: https://uploads.crossway.org/excerpt/story-of-redemption-bible-reading-plan.pdf