Issue 1308 – What Are You Reading? November 28, 2023

Recently, the topic of reading came up in conversation. We had been talking about my eye problems this spring, the resulting surgery and the far better-than-predicted results. We spoke of reading speed, genres, favourite books and the like.

Over the years, my reading speed has slowed dramatically; I probably don’t read more than 100 books a year now (certainly less during the recent problems.) There was a time when I read 300+. That’s always been a mix of fiction and non-fiction, great literature and fluff action novels.

I enjoy the British mystery classics by Conan-Doyle, Agatha Christie, Chesterton and others. Who can resist Holmes, Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot or Father Brown? I enjoy watching those same stories on BritBox and other streaming services. British television stands head and shoulders over North American productions for many programs.

I will grab an old Western when I want a simple “feel good” read and not want to think too hard. The stories are predictable, but usually, good triumphs over evil, and I don’t have to think too deeply to devour one. There are generally clearly defined protagonists and villains, and the books are not filled with a great deal of gratuitous sex and profanity. Whatever violence is in the book is typically understated and not splayed out to get the goriest, most graphic of effect.

A service club in a nearby community hosts an annual book sale as a fundraiser. Picture an arena filled with books on every topic costing $3 each at the most. It’s amazing. This year, I concentrated on picking up the stories of some of my favourite detective shows. I grabbed a pile by Elizabeth George (Inspector Lynley), Ian Rankin (Rebus) and Colin Dexter (Inspector Morse). Seeing the movie/TV show stack up against the books is always interesting.

There are books that I reread at least once a year, like The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. There are old westerns by Louis L’Amour that I have read and reread many times.

Mostly, though, I try to read the Scriptures more than anything else. The Bible provides the anchor key to understanding my worldview and living up to Christ’s desires. Reading the Word doesn’t change me; only the work of the Holy Spirit does that, but the Word grounds me. The more I read and understand it, the more amazed I am about how good God really is.

I also read commentaries and other reference books about the Scripture; I think we all ought to. Having said that, though, we also need to be diligent and spend more time reading the Bible than reading about it.

We must also carefully read the Scripture and form our own thoughts before reading what others say about it. There are great bible teachers and commentators; some are far less than stellar. Even the best can be wrong in places. It is a challenge at times to find the right balance.

The Bible is basic enough that, in most places, a child can read it and gain a rudimentary understanding of the fundamental truths. It is also deep and profound enough to spend a lifetime studying and never fully plumb the depths.

Understanding Bible times, history and culture can shed significant light on what we read in the Word.

For example, we read in the Revelation of Jesus the Christ to John the Apostle (more commonly known as Revelation).

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. Revelation 21:1

It is a simple passage that foretells the days when God will make everything new for His people. It’s a small part of a much larger passage and a much greater promise.

Here is an example of how knowing the background can enhance our understanding. To the people of Jesus’ day, the seas and other large bodies of water were symbols of danger, chaos, and disorder. They were both symbolic of trouble and a cause of actual turmoil. Floods, storms and drownings took their share of life and could not be controlled. The sea was a fearsome thing.

When God promises the new heaven and earth, he says there will be no more sea. Does that mean no oceans in the recreated order? Possibly, but I don’t believe so.

The original audience would have understood it to mean no more chaos, disorder, danger and turmoil. It draws an image of a world of peace with no reason to fear. That gives me hope and joy for the future.

I pray that the Bible forms a good part of your regular reading routine, but what else are you reading? I’m curious. Leave a comment or send me a note about what you read and why you like it.

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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