Reading to get something
Such are the critics of Scripture. Modern Jehoiakims (Jer 36.20-23), they seem to delight in "cutting up" the Scriptures or in trying to prove them in part spurious. It does not seem to occur to them that it is they themselves who may be spurious. On the other hand, how many have got rid of their sins and sorrows through reading the Word of God! But our Bibles ought not to open more easily at the promises than at the precepts of God’s Word (Rev 22.18-19).
Reading to get through something
Consecutive reading of the whole Scriptures is sensible and helpful. Different minds affect different methods. But it is not the amount that strengthens, but what we assimilate (Ezra 7.10; Neh 8.8).
Reading to get up something
Systematic and accurate study is necessary if we are to "hold fast" and "rightly divide the Word of Truth". Let us not, however, be like the cooks preparing choice viands for others, while neglecting our own souls. Feeding on the Word is the preparation for feeding others (Eccl 12.9-11).
Reading to get out something
The Word of God is a "sincere milk…that (we) may grow thereby", and contains "strong meat" too for "them that are of full age". It inculcates patience. It bestows consolation. It administers reproof. It conveys correction. It yields instruction (Jer 15.16).
Reading to get to someone
An opened Bible is like a window to heaven. But we need to see a face at that window, the face of our Beloved, and hear His voice. The Word of God Inspired presents to us the Word of God Incarnate - in the greatness of His person, the value of His work, the diversity of His offices, the tender love and sympathy of His heart. To know Him should be our great object in reading the Holy Scriptures (Song 2.14).
Concluded.
