God's Glory Church

“When He rose from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this.” —John 2:22

Starting a fantasy novel with the last chapter is a bad idea for those who like a good story to unfold gradually. However, some people enjoy reading a book more if they know the ending.

In the book Reading from the End, author Richard Hayes shows how important this method is to understanding the Bible. Illustrating how the words and events of Scripture foretell, echo, and shed light on each other, Professor Hayes explains why it is important to read the Bible from beginning to end.

Hayes reminds readers that it was not until after Jesus’ resurrection that the disciples understood His statement about rebuilding the destroyed temple in three days. Apostle John says: “And He spoke of the temple of His body” (John 2:21). Only then did the disciples understand the meaning of the Passover celebration, which they did not understand before (see Mt. 26:17-29). Only in retrospect could they grasp the full meaning of the ancient king’s zeal for God’s house, which Jesus spoke about (Ps. 68:10; Jn. 2:16-17). Only by rereading the Scriptures in the light of God’s true temple (Jesus Himself) could the disciples understand how the religion of Israel and the Messiah shed light on each other.

Only by reading the Scriptures from end to end can we see in Jesus everything that each of us has always needed and longed for.

What worries you about your future? As you reflect on your life, how do you learn to grasp God’s story, which is best understood when read in the context of eternity?

Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to live long enough to see Your ability to show and manifest the wonder of Your presence in many ways I could never have imagined.

Author: Martin de Haan