Tip #3: Understand the Big Picture

In Daily Devotional by Darryl Dash

Bible Verse: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 60:19-20

I love GPS.

I just drove to Wisconsin and back using Waze. I didn’t need to know much about the overall route; I just had to follow its instructions step by step to get there.

But sometimes, it’s helpful to pull out a big map and get an overview of the entire journey.

We need this overview when it comes to reading the Bible so we don’t get lost.

Here’s a roadmap for Scripture. As you read the Bible, keep an eye on where you are in the overall story:

  • Genesis 1 to 11 introduces us to God’s original intention for the world and what went wrong. This section is foundational for understanding everything else that follows.
  • Genesis 12 to Malachi (the rest of the Old Testament) tells the story of God’s plan to rescue humanity through the descendants of Abraham (the nation of Israel). It’s a story with some highlights and a lot of lowlights, because, as it turns out, even the best among us is very flawed.
  • Matthew to Revelation (the New Testament) tells the story of Jesus and His work. He creates a new people who are forgiven and empowered from the inside-out and commissioned to take the message of Jesus to the entire world.

As you read the Bible, keep an eye on where you are in the story, and how it relates to the overall story of Scripture and God’s work in the world.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the unified story of Scripture You reveal in the Bible. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Reflection: How does the overall story of Scripture encourage you?


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About
Darryl Dash
Darryl Dash (@DashHouse) is a pastor at Liberty Grace Church, a church planter in Toronto with over 25 years of ministry experience, and an author of How to Grow: Applying the Gospel to All of Your Life. He is married to Charlene and have two adult children: Christy and Josiah. Find out more about Darryl at DashHouse.com.
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Darryl Dash
Darryl Dash (@DashHouse) is a pastor at Liberty Grace Church, a church planter in Toronto with over 25 years of ministry experience, and an author of How to Grow: Applying the Gospel to All of Your Life. He is married to Charlene and have two adult children: Christy and Josiah. Find out more about Darryl at DashHouse.com.