Living by the Book/Living by the Book Workbook Set (98 page)

W
e hope the introduction of similes and metaphors doesn’t trigger any unpleasant flashbacks to freshman English class. But quite simply, they are too important to ignore when it comes to observing Scripture. In cases like today’s assignment, they are used to help people understand a God who is indescribable. By using things that
can
be described, we are drawn into a closer understanding of what God is like.

This passage is somewhat challenging. God’s message contains much that is unpleasant, because His people had been unfaithful. Yet beneath the severe tone is always an affirmation that, indeed, God loves His people. The better we come to see God’s anger directed at sin, the more we can comprehend his unconditional love toward the sinner.

First read Isaiah 66:1–16 as if you were an English student. As you go through it, list all the metaphors and similes you can find. When you finish, read the same passage again, this time as a Bible student. Use your list of metaphors and similes to think about what each comparison tells you about God.

Take your time, because this passage contains several good examples. Read slowly and carefully. Work your way through the difficult sections and see what conclusions you can come to about what God is saying.

TODAY’S PASSAGE:

Matthew 23:23–39

TIME COMMITMENT:

30 minutes

“Keep in mind that similarities have a way of drawing attention to themselves. Nevertheless, get into the habit of looking for them. You’ll find them especially in the wisdom literature, particularly in the psalms. Whenever you find one, mark it. The writer is trying to communicate with you through the effective tool of comparison” (p. 165).

T
oday’s assignment is a bit similar to the previous one. (After all, we’re focusing on things that are alike.) This time we’re looking at a discourse by Jesus concerning the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. Read Matthew 23:23–39. Record each place where Jesus compares one thing to another and determine what you think is Jesus’ point in each case.

TODAY’S PASSAGE:

Numbers 13:25–14:31

TIME COMMITMENT:

30 minutes

“The flip side of comparison is contrast—things that are unlike. We could say that in Bible study, as in love, opposites attract. At least, they attract the eye of the observant reader. There are several ways the biblical writers signify contrast. . . . The word
but
is a clue that a change of direction is coming” (p. 165).

T
oday’s assignment is a passage that occurs just as the twelve spies return from scouting out the Promised Land. The nation of Israel has come out of the slavery in Egypt, through the Red Sea, and across the desert. They are poised at the brim of the land to which God has led them. They’ve faced a lot of challenges and done a lot of grumbling, but all they need is a report from their advance men, and they can complete their journey.

Read Numbers 13:25–14:10. If you look carefully, you’ll notice that almost every time a positive theme begins to develop, you’ll find a word such as
but
or
nevertheless
followed by a section quite unlike what had preceded it. Where are the turning points in this passage? (You should find at least three.)

In an ironic twist, God begins to speak to Moses and pass judgment on the people. His sentence is a hard one, clear about the suffering and death that will take place during the next forty years. And in this section, almost every place you find the word
but
it is to make a positive exception. Read Numbers 14:11–31. Look for the
buts
and an occasional
except,
and note whom God singles out as being unlike the rest of the unfaithful Israelites.

When you start noticing the negative connective words, it’s amazing to discover how quickly the tone of the passage can change. It’s a simple matter to detect things that are unlike in the passage, which may then lead to more in-depth discoveries of what Scripture is saying.

TODAY’S PASSAGE:

Acts 4:32–5:11

TIME COMMITMENT:

20 minutes

“Things that are alike and unlike make use of the strong human tendency to compare and contrast. As you study the Scriptures, listen to that voice inside your head saying, ‘Hey, this is like that passage I looked at yesterday,’ or, ‘This section is different from anything else in this book.’ Those are clear signals that the author is using things alike and unlike to communicate his message” (p. 167).

I
f you begin to read through Acts about the formation of the new church, you come upon a passage about a couple very much unlike the rest of the people described.

Read Acts 4:32–37, which describes the “alike” people of the early church. Suppose you were a first-century visitor who happened to drop in for a worship service. How do you think you would have responded? Why?