Just a curious non-critical question: what is the purpose of a bible reading plan?
Robert Murray M‘Cheyne has put this well in his [url=https://www.sermonindex.net/images/calendar.pdf]Bible Reading Calendar[/url]:
[b]DANGERS.[/b]
[b](1.) Formality.[/b] – We are such weak creatures that any regularly returning duty is apt to
degenerate into a lifeless form. The tendency of reading the Word by a fixed rule
may, in some minds, be to create this skeleton religion. This is to be the peculiar sin
of the last days – “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”
Guard against this. Let the calendar perish rather than this rust eat up your souls.
[b](2.) Self-righteousness.[/b] – Some, when they have devoted their set time to reading of
the Word, and accomplished their prescribed portion, may be tempted to look at
themselves with self-complacency. Many, I am persuaded, are living without any
Divine work on their soul – unpardoned and unsanctified, and ready to perish – who
spend their appointed times in secret and family devotion. This is going to hell with a
lie in their right hand.
[b](3.) Careless reading.[/b] – Few tremble at the Word of God. Few, in reading it, hear the
voice of Jehovah, which is full of majesty. Some, by having so large a portion, may
be tempted to weary of it, as Israel did of the daily manna, saying – “Our soul
loatheth this light bread;” and to read it in a slight and careless manner. This would
be fearfully provoking to God. Take heed lest that word be true of you – “Ye said,
also, Behold what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the Lord of
Hosts.”
[b](4.) A yoke to heavy to bear.[/b] Some may engage in reading with alacrity for a time, and
afterwards feel it a burden, grievous to be borne. They may find conscience
dragging them through the appointed task without any relish of the heavenly food. If
this be the case with any, throw aside the fetter, and feed at liberty in the sweet garden of God. My desire is not to cast a snare upon you, but to be a helper of your joy. If there be so many dangers, why propose such a scheme at all? To this I answer, that the best things are accompanied with danger, as the fairest flowers are often gathered
in the clefts of some dangerous precipice. Let us weigh
[b]THE ADVANTAGES.[/b]
[b](1.) The whole Bible will be read through in an orderly manner in the course of a year.[/b] – The
Old Testament once, the New Testament and Psalms twice. I fear many of you never read the
whole Bible; and yet it is all equally Divine, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and
is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect.” If we pass over some parts of Scripture, we shall be incomplete
Christians.
[b](2.) Time will not be wasted in choosing what portions to read.[/b] Often believers are at a loss to determine towards which part of the mountains of spices they should bend their steps. Here the question will be solved at once in a very simple manner.
[b](3.) Parents will have a regular subject upon which to examine their children and servants.[/b] – It is much to be desired that family worship were made more instructive than it generally is.
The mere reading of the chapter is often too like water spilt on the ground. Let it be read by
every member of the family before-hand, and then the meaning and application drawn out by
simple question and answer. The calendar will be helpful in this. Friends, also, when they
meet, will have a subject for profitable conversation in the portions read that day. The
meaning of difficult passages may be inquired from the more judicious and ripe Christians,
and the fragrance of simpler Scriptures spread abroad.
[b](4.) The pastor will know in what part of the pasture the flock are feeding. [/b]– He will thus be enabled to speak more suitably to them on the Sabbath; and both pastor and elders will be able
to drop a word of light and comfort in visiting from house to house, which will be more readily responded to.
[b](5.) The sweet bond of Christian love and unity will be strengthened.[/b] – We shall be often led to think of those dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, here and elsewhere, who agree to join with
us in reading those portions. We shall oftener be led to agree on earth, touching something we
shall ask of God. We shall pray over the same promises, mourn over the same confessions, praise God in the same songs, and be nourished by the same words of eternal life.
