I enjoy the Professor Horner’s Bible Reading System. It provides repetition for some of the key books of the Bible (Proverbs, Acts, Job, etc.) and it creates interesting combinations of different books and chapters of the Bible. Smack in the middle Day 148’s 10-chapter reading list is a great remedy for when we’re feeling depressed or anxious about our circumstances.
Paul starts us down the sorrowful path in 2 Timothy 4 with a series of personal requests for Timothy to come visit him and bring certain things. Paul is in Rome. It is 66 AD and Paul knows his death is imminent. He is isolated, maltreated in prison, and abandoned by most of those who worked and served with him. It’s no wonder that he wanted to see his dear friend and son in the faith. You can feel his anguish as he asks Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:9 to do his best to come quickly, and to bring Mark (verse 11) as well as his cloak, the books, and “above all the parchments” (verse 13). He wants something to help him keep warm and something to read and, most importantly, the Scripture.
“Let them praise the name of the LORD,
For his name alone is exalted;
His majesty is above earth and heaven.”
- Psalm 148:13
The next reading in Professor Horner’s Reading Plan for Day 148 continues the sorrow and misery in Job 24. It is part of Job’s response to his friends which began in Job 23. It a mournful look at the reality of the world.
Almost the entire chapter is devoted to Job asking why evil people get away with evil things. He covers all the things we still see today – greed, theft, injustice, murder, adultery, and so on. Job states in verse 12 that God charges no one with wrong. Obviously we know that is not the case, but doesn’t it seem that way sometimes? Doesn’t it seem that people who are doing evil get away with it every day?
What a one-two punch of depression and realization that (unlike what Joel Osteen and the prosperity wolves preach) that bad times do happen to us and we see injustice all around us. It often seems that evil has a never-ending day.
But, Professor Horner’s Bible Reading System to the rescue. Providentially, the next two readings for Day 148 help square our thoughts in a Godly way. Psalm 148 gives us a beautiful jolt back to reality as the hosts of heaven - from angels to the stars – are invited to join a heavenly choir praising God. It reminds us that God, the Holy, Supreme, Infinite Creator of all things is still in control. Do you see evil in the world? Praise God. Do you suffer amidst turmoil or sorrow? Praise God. Everything is called to praise God – the creatures of the sea, the weather, the mountains and hills, the trees, and beasts of the earth – and finally each of us from kings to the most common of people, young and old.
“Let them praise the name of the LORD,
For his name alone is exalted;
His majesty is above earth and heaven.”
- Psalm 148:13
Wow, from the depths of sorrow to being reminded that we should focus on God and not man. God, our Creator put all of these things – sun, moon, stars, plants, animals, and so on – as a daily reminder that He is still there. He guides us even through the tough times.
As if that soul-stirring message was not enough, Day 148 follows with the second punch of Proverbs 24, which begins: “Be not envious of evil men…” Whew. The proverb counters that by focusing on wisdom and avoidance of folly and foolish actions. Folly is a word we don’t often use these days, but it should be. Psalm 24:9 says “The devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind.” How much of the world’s activities should be seen as folly?
In a way, it’s almost as if the writer of this proverb is answering Job, when he writes in verse 12, “Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?” Actually, many passages in the Bible remind us that God does hand out justice (Proverbs 12:14, Psalm 62:12, and Romans 2:6).
What a pleasure it is to read God’s Word on a daily basis. It has the ability to direct our focus where it should be – on God. Too much of what we see in Christian movies, books, TV shows, and sermons points us to ourselves. Instead, God’s word takes us from focusing on ourselves, the problems around us, or the general evils of the world, and directs us to God. We know He’s in control, even when our situation seems to be spiraling out of control. We know He will provide the justice necessary in His timing. We know that when compared to God, the problems of this world seem insignificant. Daily bible reading corrects our thinking and redirects our focus. What a blessing.
Reading 10 chapters a day from different books of the Bible may seem daunting for some people. But, it is an interesting way to get variety and see the breadth of God’s Word. If nothing else, try reading a few chapters a day – from any book of the Bible. It’s worth it. If you want to try Professor Horner’s Bible Reading System, you can use this link to download a PDF version to check off or you can sign up using Bible Study Tools’ online option.