Embarking on a journey to read the Bible thoughtfully and with understanding is an endeavor that John Mark Comer, best-selling author and pastor, encourages us all to undertake. His approach, detailed in his popular book "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry," emphasizes the importance of reading the Bible not just quickly, but deeply and intentionally. Let's delve into Comer's advice on how to read the Bible, focusing on his practical methods and time-tested strategies.
Before we dive into the specifics, it's crucial to understand that the Bible is not just another book to be read, but a text that offers insight into God's love, wisdom, and humanity's relationship with Him. Comer emphasizes that reading the Bible should be a habitual, daily practice, not a one-time endeavor. With that in mind, let's explore Comer's approach.
The Habit of Bible Reading
At the core of Comer's advice lies the importance of establishing a daily Bible reading habit. This might seem challenging initially, but with consistency and patience, it becomes second nature. Comer suggests dedicating a specific time each day, such as the morning or evening, and creating a quiet, personal space for your reading.
To make this habit stick, Comer advocates for setting realistic expectations. It's better to read a few verses thoughtfully than to rush through chapters without absorbing the text. This leads us to the next crucial aspect of Comer's approach: slowing down and engaging with the text.
Read Slowly and Engage Deeply
In our fast-paced world, we often read quickly, skimming text to absorb the main points. However, Comer argues that to truly engage with the Bible, we should read slowly, savoring each verse and pondering its meaning. This might mean reading a single chapter over multiple days, allowing the text to sink in.
Engaging deeply with the text involves more than just reading; it entails asking questions, reflecting, and praying about what you've read. Comer suggests treating each passage as a conversation with God, inviting Him to speak into your life through His Word.
Use Tools and Resources
While it's possible to read the Bible without any additional tools, using resources can enhance your understanding and engagement. Comer recommends using a Bible translation that resonates with you, as well as a Bible reading plan to guide your daily readings. Study Bibles, commentaries, and Bible dictionaries can also provide valuable context and insight.
Technology can be an ally in this process. There are numerous Bible apps that offer reading plans, verse-highlighting features, and even audio Bibles for days when you don't have time to sit down and read.
The Art of Bible Interpretation
Once you've established your reading habit and begun to engage deeply with the text, the next step is to learn how to interpret what you're reading. Comer emphasizes that the Bible is not a collection of random thoughts but a unified story about God's love for humanity.
To understand this story, Comer suggests using a simple yet effective method of interpretation. He recommends asking four questions of each passage: what does this passage say (the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?), what does this passage say about God, what does this passage say about us, and how is this passage good news for us today?
Understand the Context
Before interpreting a passage, it's essential to understand its context. This includes the historical, cultural, and literary context. Who wrote the passage? To whom was it written? When and where was it written? Understanding these factors can provide vital insights into the text's meaning.
Comer also suggests reading passages in their entirety, rather than isolating individual verses. This helps to avoid taking verses out of context, which can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
Practice Application
After interpreting a passage, the final step is to apply what you've learned to your life. This could mean changing a behavior, adopting a new perspective, praying in a different way, or making a decision based on God's wisdom. Comer emphasizes that the goal of reading the Bible is not merely to gain knowledge, but to be transformed into Christlikeness.
Reading the Bible is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. What works for one person might not work for another. However, Comer's approach offers a robust starting point, encouraging us to engage with the text thoughtfully, intentionally, and repeatedly. So, grab your Bible, find a quiet place, and begin your journey. It might be slow, it might be challenging, but it will most certainly be rewarding.