How to read the Old Testament and love it.

Two men long ago took a walk. It was early morning and as the sun rose in the east, it covered the land with an orange glow. The green and rolling hills of Judah, peppered with the first saplings of wheat, lay before them; an ancient land, whose history permeates the present like no other. It wasn't just a regular dawn - it was the dawn of a new age, the day of Jesus' Resurrection.

Shutterstock: Kwest - modified by DR

As the two walked saddened, their dreams of a Messianic age of Israelite redemption - a desire for political salvation - lay shattered with the death of Jesus. But in the midst of the sadness they were perplexed. A few women from their number had reported that He was alive. Suddenly, out of no where a stranger approached them and inquired about why they were so distressed. They proceeded to tell the fellow how they had hoped that Jesus would deliver their people from occupation and reinstate their kingdom. Instead, He was arrested, condemned and then crucified... and now the news of an empty tomb confused them even more. 

As the Man, who was Jesus but somehow unrecognizable to the two disciples, looked on with a faint and unnoticed smile, His eyes glimmering with fire, He began to show them all that was happening... straight from the Old Testament. Jesus explained to them all things concerning Himself from the Torah, the Writings and the Prophets. 

You see the gospel - and I don't mean the four books of the New Testament called the 'gospels', but the good news of the sacrifice of Christ and all it means for us - is clearly written in the ancient Hebraic Scriptures of the Old Covenant. But it takes Jesus - the Author and Subject of all Scripture - and His light shining on these pages to make you see His glory in that Book. There is no other way to read the Old Testament. In fact, when the Book is read without the Spirit of Christ - it can lead to terrible misunderstandings; you will not see Grace and Truth, you will see Law and Curses, Death and Judgment, Punishment and Sin.

So how do you really read the Old Testament and love it? Well, you let Jesus read it to you, you listen to Him leading you by His Spirit in you - then, and only then, will you begin to see how this seemingly dark Book of poor esteem will shine with heavenly brilliance. It will never be the same again!

"...their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away." 2 Cor 3:14-16

By David Roiel
The Green Leaf Blog - Discover your inheritance!

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