BIBLIBAL JOURNEY- MAPS

The “maps” for our journey are the resources we use in our travels. The Primary map in this journey is the Bible itself.

The Bible has many different translations. For the most part it does not matter which translation one uses. However, knowing the background of the map we use most – where it came from, who drew it, etc. - can give a little insight on how a verse or two should be read.

I have done some reading on how today’s Bible came to be and the story is a fascinating one.

I have also been made aware that there are some translations that do not stay as true to the original text as we would like. I will give you two examples.

The first is a translation that I only read about in my readings. I did not actually see it myself but apparently in this translation the word “darkness” was replaced with the word “night” because it was thought that “darkness” sounded too much like the offensive word “darkies”. This was an unfortunate decision as “night” and “darkness” have two different meanings. Let’s look at Psalm 107:14:

“He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away the chains.”

Now read,

“He brought them out of night and the deepest gloom and broke away the chains.”

The darkness in that verse has nothing to do with the night. It is the darkness of ones soul or situation. The meaning of that verse is changed when the word is changed.

The second example is when a translation is “tweaked” to fit the purposes of a particular group. The New World Translation used by the Jehovah Witnesses, who do not believe in the Trinity, has added one little word to John 1:1. See if you can spot it.

NIV translation – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

New World translation – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.”

Small word – big difference!

I have also heard of translations out there that do their best to be politically correct. Bible’s that say He/She when referring to God or man in general.
Again, never actually saw one personally but under those requirements I suppose Romans 11:32 might look like: “For God has bound all men and women over to disobedience so that he/she may have mercy on them all.

The primary “map” that I use is the New International Version (NIV) Student Bible. I have used this particular Bible for over 20 years. I am endeared to it because of the many side notes it contains giving me a glimpse into the context of the verses I am reading. Knowing the context of scripture; the who, what, when, where and especially the why has made a large impact on how they speak to me. Not only am I reading God’s own words but I am struggling to understand them with the likes of Moses, Joshua, Elisha, Peter and Paul. They all become more than just characters in a story. They become very much like me with fears, failures and doubts. Also, the times in which they lived were so unlike ours. The more I understand those times the easier it is to step outside of my 21^st century thinking long enough to see the world as they did. When I do this, the lessons that they teach become clearer.

It is always good to have two or three different translations to read and compare during Bible study. Many times that can give us a better insight as to what is meant in the text. I plan to use a variety of translations on this journey as well as other books and resources. But my primary map will be my NIV. That is the translation I will quote unless otherwise noted.

So grab your map and let’s take our first steps….

BIBLICAL JOURNEY

INTRODUCTION

This spring I added a new application to my phone—The Bible. I was excited about the idea of carrying God’s Word with me easily and at all times. As I was investigating all the options of this modern day Bible I discovered it had several reading plans from which one could choose. The one that caught my eye was, “The Bible in 90 days”. I felt myself being challenged. Summer was just beginning, could I really read the entire Bible in just 3 months? It was a challenge I was hesitant to take - but I took it all the same.

I was surprised to discover that the reading process seemed to go a lot faster when the words scrolled up a one and a half-inch screen. I believe it seemed easier because I was able to just focus on the cube of words in front of me and not be intimidated by the four columns of text that is found in a traditionally bound Bible.

Throughout this Biblical journey I found myself fascinated at how much I did not know. How entwined the Old Testament is with the New and visa-versa. It seemed that as I gained knowledge in one area I gained a deeper understanding in another. It is true that the more you know the more you want to know.

I had set a second goal for myself this past summer – to see the Dead Sea Scrolls while they were in Minneapolis. Before traveling on that pilgrimage I delved into all the information I could find about them. Toward the end of summer I finally saw them for myself. Well, five small pieces of them… but the exhibit was incredibly packed with information about the times and places of which these scrolls were written. I was thrilled when I came upon portions that were familiar to me because of what I read in the Bible and the historical and archeological information that was presented at the exhibit made what I had read explode with realism. No longer were they just stories of people in “Biblical times”. They were the stories of the woman who used that clay jar, the girl who wore that bracelet and the man who wore those sandals. Knowing how they thought, ate, drank and worshipped opened my eyes to many things in scripture I easily missed before. I was able to look beyond my limited 21^st century vision and see the Bible in the context of which it was written.

I finished the Bible in 89 days…. And quickly realized that was only the beginning.

Therefore, I am adding another portion to my blog… a sort of sub-blog if you will. It will be under the title, “BIBLICAL JOURNEY”.

My plan is to once again dive into this Holy book called The Bible. But this time there is no deadline. Instead of jotting down short notes, I hope to fully explore what I find intriguing, interesting or confusing.

I am inviting you to join me on this journey with the understanding that I am not a trained Bible scholar. My research is limited to the books, podcasts and discussions I have time to invest in. (Which I will document along the way). Prayer for God’s guidance is my first and foremost priority for nothing is of value unless it comes from God. The opening of my eyes and heart to His Truth is my desire and quest. I will move through this journey with the knowledge that I do not know the mind of God and have limited understanding and ask those who join me on this quest to keep that fully in mind. Please feel free to comment on any discoveries we make along the way. We were not meant to travel this road alone.

Shall we begin…..?