I was raised by engineers, and I programmed computers for decades. Yes, the old and new testaments fit together as if they were written by one gigantic mind. The Bible is its own best interpreter, as the saying goes. It is full of paradoxes which do resolve as we study it, ask God questions (James 1:5), and expect answers. Sometimes they come instantly. Sometimes decades later. What a great Author to write such a complete and intriguing text book / user manual.
Beautifully written. I especially appreciate the line, “Even in my fits and starts with Scripture, Scripture fits—and startles.” I have found this to be true many times. Thank you.
Fifteen years ago I had a similar moment while waiting for a c-section which had been delayed because the OR was needed for an emergency surgery. My husband and I started reading the liturgy of the hours and it spoke so deeply into the precise moment. I had been so full of anxiety and fear in the days leading up to the scheduled surgery. My heart is ready, O Lord, my heart is ready. It was exactly the words my heart needed and I was filled with a profound peace. All through that surgery I prayed while I was strapped to the table, arms outstretched like I was on a cross. And I knew I was not alone.
Startling indeed! Thirty-five years ago, perhaps inspired by the biblical passages put to song by John Michael Talbot and others, I memorized Zechariah’s Prophecy and Mary’s Song from Luke, chapter one. I copied them from my Bible, put them back to back and covered them with a document protector, and carried this on my morning runs.
Three years ago, as I was preparing to join the Catholic Church, you can imagine my surprise and delight to discover that these 2 passages that I had memorized years ago were included each day in the Morning and Evening prayers, respectively, in the Catholic prayers, known as the Liturgy of the hours.
Reading this powerful piece poured fresh courage into me to trust the Word that is "Spirit and life." This morning I also read from Phyllis Tickle's "The Divine Hours" and found in the Psalms quoted specific personal "fit" for this season of my life.
I was raised by engineers, and I programmed computers for decades. Yes, the old and new testaments fit together as if they were written by one gigantic mind. The Bible is its own best interpreter, as the saying goes. It is full of paradoxes which do resolve as we study it, ask God questions (James 1:5), and expect answers. Sometimes they come instantly. Sometimes decades later. What a great Author to write such a complete and intriguing text book / user manual.
Beautifully written. I especially appreciate the line, “Even in my fits and starts with Scripture, Scripture fits—and startles.” I have found this to be true many times. Thank you.
Fifteen years ago I had a similar moment while waiting for a c-section which had been delayed because the OR was needed for an emergency surgery. My husband and I started reading the liturgy of the hours and it spoke so deeply into the precise moment. I had been so full of anxiety and fear in the days leading up to the scheduled surgery. My heart is ready, O Lord, my heart is ready. It was exactly the words my heart needed and I was filled with a profound peace. All through that surgery I prayed while I was strapped to the table, arms outstretched like I was on a cross. And I knew I was not alone.
A beautifully written testament to the profoundness of Jesus Christ, the Word himself.
Beautiful…resonating Truth. Just finished Lewis’ Mere Christianity. Truth.
Thank you, this was a beautiful reminder.
Nothing constructive to add, just wanted to say that I loved this🧡
I am moved by this and spoken to by the scriptures...they fit my present experience!
Absolutely on point. The Book, the Word, the beautiful image of the Jesus the Christ, and it seems to flow from every page for it is of whole cloth.
Startling indeed! Thirty-five years ago, perhaps inspired by the biblical passages put to song by John Michael Talbot and others, I memorized Zechariah’s Prophecy and Mary’s Song from Luke, chapter one. I copied them from my Bible, put them back to back and covered them with a document protector, and carried this on my morning runs.
Three years ago, as I was preparing to join the Catholic Church, you can imagine my surprise and delight to discover that these 2 passages that I had memorized years ago were included each day in the Morning and Evening prayers, respectively, in the Catholic prayers, known as the Liturgy of the hours.
You can’t, as they say, “make this up!”
A seed long since planted…still bearing fruit!
Reading this powerful piece poured fresh courage into me to trust the Word that is "Spirit and life." This morning I also read from Phyllis Tickle's "The Divine Hours" and found in the Psalms quoted specific personal "fit" for this season of my life.
"The Word of God stuns by making sense of my fickleness towards the Word." That is very good news.