Issue 1289 – Favourite – November 3, 2023
There will be no Gleanings tomorrow. We will return on Monday.
There is a question that I have often been asked by other Christians that I have difficulty answering. It isn’t one of profound theology or some obscure mystery of God. Those can be tough enough and sometimes unanswerable, at least with any degree of confidence.
The question seems almost mundane, and I suspect anyone reading today’s Gleanings has been asked the same thing. What is this mysterious, hard-to-answer question?
What is your favourite Bible verse?
Some people can rattle off their answer from memory in their favourite translation(s) and cite chapter and verse. My answer is a little broader, and I honestly cannot recite it all, although I can remember snippers.
I usually answer, “My favourite Bible verse is the whole Bible, Genesis 1:1 … to. Revelation 22:21.”
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth…The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”
To which I am usually told that won’t do for an answer. The questioner usually asks me something like, what part of the bible do you read most?”
That’s easier. I have probably spent more time in the Gospel of John and Romans. Using that criterion, John and Romans are my favourite Bible verses.
Once again, I am usually asked to narrow it down. The problem with answering is that different passages have spoken to me at various times.
I have found encouragement and strength in many passages, from the most obvious to others far more obscure. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit will illuminate something fresh in whatever passage I am reading, and that will carry me for a while.
I find it challenging to pick a “favourite” knowing that…
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:16-17
Not every chapter and verse applies directly to my life at any given moment. Still, every word is God-inspired and written for me. None of it was written TO me, but it was all written FOR my benefit and yours.
All of it reveals God and His plans, character, and love for me. It shows me His sovereignty, grace and mercy. It shows His wrath for those who will not turn from their sins.
The Word is the foundation of my worldview. It is the guide by which I try to live my life, albeit far from perfectly (which is why I NEED God’s grace and mercy).
It’s like asking which of my children or grandchildren I love most. I can’t give you an answer. Some I am closer to than others, but I love them all and have no favourites.
I cannot even pick the Old Testament over the New Testament. The former points us to the truth, and the latter confirms it. Together, they make up one massive revelation of God and His sovereignty.
At the end of it all, I must return to my first answer. “My favourite Bible verse is Genesis 1:1 … to. Revelation 22:21.”
God’s Word inspires me and draws me closer to the author who loves me. I love the Word, but I worship the King.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 KF “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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