How can the Bible be more easily understood?

Some people say the Bible is too hard to understand. Once I heard “reading the Bible is like eating fish, savor the meat and leave the bones on the plate.” That makes sense because there is hardly ever a time of reading the Scriptures in which we do not find help, meaning a passage or two that scratches where we itch—or is supportive during  a difficult time.  

We do not have to understand it all!  Our understanding advances as we continue reading. What we need is to be consistent in reading God’s Word—ideally daily—along with taking time to ponder what enriches or piques our interest.  Then thank God for the discovery found.

During 2024, I was determined to begin reading the Old Testament while watching not so much for the stories the books are loaded with, or the events, but rather to look for the characteristics of God revealed within the 39 Old Testament books (49 in the Roman Catholic Bible.)

I became deeply moved in seeing the love and loving care God showed to those He called His own. Also mercy and forgiveness stand out in amazing measures. “Second chances” were extended persistently just like we find in our own lives.

God’s chosen people as shown throughout the Old Testament were the Jews.  Jesus was born into a family that began with Abraham who left his home in Ur of the Chaldees to follow God.  Given time the family grew into 12 tribes.

While reading, I saw how at every turn God’s protection was with His people—along with corrections.  What stands out is how God sought relationship with His people while also helping them become a strong, resourceful people. He granted them many successes within the battles necessary for them to gain their “promised land.”

However, the obstinacy of human nature shows big time as we read the Old Testament. Like people of all times since, God’s people of those early times majorly wanted to go their own way and to forget about the fact God had plans for them.

Human nature is seemingly the same in all times and all places. We, by nature, want to call all the shots—and do it “my way” as Bing Crosby proudly sang, “I did it my way.”

There has always been a number of people who truly “get it” about God, who desire to relate with Him, discovering what God wants of them. They read the Scriptures and live out what they see portrayed there as God’s Word. They remain faithful to God in the midst of the difficulties that come their way throughout life. These are the ones who are referred to in Scripture as “the remnant.”

This truth is verified within the writings of several Old Testament prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, Micah and Zephaniah. Best of all, in the New Testament, the birth of Jesus is recorded. He comes as the Messiah, Savior of all who call on His name and place their trust in Him. In the New Testament Galatians 3:29 tells us that “if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise." 

The prophets of old also gave copious predictions of the coming of “the Anointed One” who would come as Savior. The consequence of that commitment is of tremendous value, which includes those of us making that choice, those counted among the children of Abraham. In the New Testament Galatians 3:29 tells us that “if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise." 

In Romans 11: 5, the Apostle Paul wrote of devout believers in Christ as “a remnant according to the election of grace.”  So, as God called Abraham, He also calls us. Although we think we make the choice—it is God who calls us forth to receive salvation.  We are enlightened and grow as we read the Scriptures for the Holy Spirit of God dwells within us bringing comfort along the way—while also helping us perceive what God asks of us within our souls.