Old Testament Epilogue

October 05, 2015

The recording of my journey through the Old Testament from my journals written from 11/16/09 through 02/18/12 is over. And once again, I have mixed emotions. It will be exciting to enter the New Testament, but I LOVE the Old Testament and I hate to see it over. I've learned so much during my original journey and then again now as I've recorded the journey.

Every one of the promises God gave us through the lips of Jane (Her Name Was Jane) came from the Old Testament.

• Psalm 150
• Psalm 140
• Isaiah 30
• Psalm 1
• Jeremiah 33

To me the Old Testament is not an irrelevant, boring, or a difficult-to-read compilation of old books. It is instead an interesting account of history; its books explaining the "what, when, where, and the why" of the actions, choices, consequences, curses—verses—blessings, and circumstances behind the issues and situations that are no different than what we face today; and with just as much relevancy as when they were first recorded. After reading the Old Testament, you come away convinced that HE is the ONE; HE is in control; and HE is Sovereign.

There is none like Him; there is none beside Him; there is none above Him; there is NO other god—the LORD, HE is the ONE.

Understanding the Old Testament also brings clarity to the New Testament. The meaning behind Jesus being the LAMB of God; why the curtain separating the Holy of Holies was torn from top to bottom; why the Jews were expecting and looking for an earthly king; why they rejected Jesus as their king; etc. Understanding the Old Testament lays the foundation for Jesus' teachings.

Jesus often quoted from the Old Testament in His teachings. If it was important for Jesus to quote the scripture from the Old Testament, then it is important for us to read it and know it as well. To never read or study the Old Testament is like starting a novel in the middle of the book and never knowing for sure how the story began. While I wouldn't necessarily recommend that a new believer begin reading the Bible with Genesis, I most definitely would recommend knowing the story behind the coming of the Christ once they have grown in understanding.  

The Old Testament has become like my trusted old friend, someone you are comfortable with and someone you look forward to spending time with. So, dear old friend, the goodbye is only temporary. When I finish recording my journey through the New Testament, I will be back to start over through your familiar passages again. Until then, I'm looking forward to beginning the New Testament and reading the words of God himself—Jesus! THE Christ; THE Lamb of God; and our Living Savior.  


Next Entry: From Malachi to Matthew