The One Year Chronological Bible - New Living Translation
Also: New International Version (Anglicised), Audio Edition, published by Biblica, Inc., 2013, narrated by David Suchet. Found online at https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/audio/?recording=nivuk-suchet
This may be the longest I have taken to read a book without leaving it for an extended period of time. At the start of the year Elise mentioned a desire to read the Bible chronologically using this version that she had purchased some time in the past. We desired to do this together, pacing ourselves by keeping roughly to the reading plan outlined within.
As a Christian, I deeply value the Bible. I try to read at least a few verses most days (although realistically it is sometimes less often than this) and often I find that the different verses I read will either speak into whatever situation I am going through at the time, or come back to mind at a future time. I believe that God speaks through His Word, and is interested in spending time with me in various ways. I also believe that every part of the Bible can speak to us today, even though certain parts may be less easily accessible.
Reading the Bible chronologically was an interesting undertaking (and one that means that, without a doubt, both Elise and I have definitely read the Bible cover to cover). The order presented by the editors (which on occasion we found ourselves slightly disagreeing with) really highlighted certain events, giving context particularly to the Old Testament prophets, who can at times seem overly negative. Tying those prophecies to particular events mentioned in the narrative sections of Scripture highlight God's mercy and patience with his wayward people. God seeks to help them by turning their hearts away from idolatry, and as the time for them to face judgment approaches the prophecies increase in intensity and heaviness. Yet God's mercy continues to shine through, and even in the prophecies of Jeremiah (one of the last prophets before final destruction fell on Judah), in the midst of prophecies that suggest Judah will definitely be destroyed, God still says things like: "Even now, if you quit your evil ways, I will let you stay in your own land" (Jeremiah 7:3), showing His forgiveness is still being offered.
Reading a book over a whole year is quite a mission at times, so Elise and I broke it up a little by also occasionally employing an audio version. We chose the NIVUK version, mostly because the narrator, David Suchet, has a great voice for this sort of thing. Suchet is best known as the lead role in the tv series Poirot, and has a great British accent (in real life). He emphasises the dramatic parts without over doing it (as some other Bible narrators seem to). Fully recommend that version.
All in all, well worth the effort, and a great way to both begin and wrap up the year.
Completed with Elise, 31 December 2020.
(Elise Books)
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