How Long Has it Been? A Return to Bible Reading

A Return to the Bible: How Long Has It Been?

At the beginning of January, many people make new promises to themselves to do better. I must confess that my Bible reading had fallen by the wayside. How long had it been since I read through the complete Bible, and what was I missing?

I don’t know if I can get through it all this year but I am trying to read a chapter each day. If one counts the total number of chapters in the Bible (some very short, some quite long), that makes a total of 1189 chapters so if I read one a day, it will take me somewhat more than three years to complete, which is doable. If I read several short short chapters a day, it might take less than three years. The shortest chapter in the Bible of course is Psalm 117, only two verses long. Obidiah, has only 21 verses. And I could cite more.

In one very small way, I am not too embarrassed to admit my hiatus in regular Bible reading the last number of years (I do not know and don’t really want to tell you how long it has been). I have read the Bible, yes, when I’m down or in the mood or dealing with grief or illness of friends or family. And there have been assignments or projects, particularly when I’ve read devotionals (Rejoice! Magazine, which I also write for), and study diligently when I have an assignment.  

But since I’ve sat down and read a chapter a day since the beginning of January, I am enjoying it far more than I ever remembered. Genesis has stirred me and reminded me that even though I know there are more wars and rumors of war in the Bible than I will want to go through, and more begats etc. than I will want to read, the Bible is an amazing collection of history, of rights and wrongs, stories that have been buried in my long long ago memory.

I never went to seminary (but thought about it awhile), but I must give one of my high school teachers the birth of my true following of the Bible. His name was Darrel Hostetler and I just learned that he died in January of 2024—somehow I missed that news. His wife, Marian, is still living. They went to the same church I did for 17 years until we moved away. But he also was a robust musician, and loved leading music at Bethany Christian High School in Goshen Ind. I was intrigued by his obituary stating that “in his later years, Darrel worked as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), drove taxi and medical transportation.” The Hostetlers lost one child which was devastating to me and my high school junior classmates, most of whom attended the service for little Alan.

But Darrel’s class my junior year studying the book of Genesis and later the book of Mark have stayed with me through these many years. I still have notes and tests that help me remember what I learned. Darrel spoke to those of us who were juniors about our futures—and how important it was to make wise choices for our mates, and how to deal with relationships.

I’m moved how a teacher’s love and studying in a Christian high school—how important that was to my life in the future. I’m so thankful that Mom and Dad paid for those years (a pittance in today’s dollars) but more than that, the love and dedication and beliefs they shared were so meaningful for my life. Now and in the future. Thank you God and thank you Mom and Dad! 

Now, back to reading Genesis! And many more books of the Bible.

***

If you like reading online, try “Bible Gateway,” especially if you want to compare versions and interpretations and find verses that you want to remember: BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages.

Who was a special teacher for you at church or school, or your friends and neighbors?

What advice do you give me for getting back into regular Bible reading?