The Old, The New, The Same

"When you read through the old testament, especially the Genesis through Deuteronomy, make sure to also read some of the gospels or epistles."

Good advice.  It keeps in perspective of how God led Israel and how Jesus fulfills the law perfectly for us, as God's holiness demands perfection.  It keeps the gospel pure.  We see how impossible the standard is for us to earn righteousness and make ourselves holy.

I finished reading Isaiah a few weeks ago and transitioned into a time of reading mostly from John, Acts, Galatians and Ephesians.  This week though, I noticed something...

I need to read in the old testament at the same time I read the new testament especially when I read the gospels and epistles.


It keeps clear in my mind the Holy and fierce God who did reach down to redeem man, and fulfill the promises He spoke throughout history before Christ came, before the Holy Spirit dwelt on believers and the church existed.

I need to see the pursuit of God after mankind. The pursuit that shows a fierce love and jealousy for His people.  Pursuit that: "Burns like fire in a bush, shakes the earth, takes a people captive so they might see the captivity to sin in their hearts.


I can't control or manipulate a God like that.  But I need a God like that to show that Jesus dying for my sin was the drastic measure that God took, so that I would be with Him...Forever.