Walking With God

1. Scripture's Story Reveals God's Plan

Different as the books which comprise it may be, Scripture is a unity by reason of the unity of God’s plan, of which Christ Jesus is the center and heart.

Unified Narrative. The Bible, though composed of many books by different authors, tells a single, unified story authored by God. Understanding this overarching narrative is key to grasping the meaning of individual events and our place within God's plan. The Catechism emphasizes the importance of recognizing the unity of Scripture, with Christ as its central figure.

Finding the Plot. Many struggle to make sense of the Bible's complex details. The key is to identify the plot, the "big picture" that weaves together individual events and characters. This book aims to illuminate that plot, following the Great Adventure Bible Timeline learning system, which organizes the Bible into twelve periods and focuses on fourteen narrative books.

Canonical Approach. This book employs a "canonical approach," reading individual texts in the context of the whole Scripture. This method, championed by Pope Benedict XVI, integrates historical-critical interpretation with a theological understanding of God's unified plan. The goal is to provide a readable introduction to Scripture's story, highlighting its unity and illuminating God's overarching purpose.

2. Early World: Creation, Fall, Flood, and Babel

At the heart of every story, whether it is tragedy, comedy, or romance, is a plot, and the key ingredient to any good plot is conflict, a great struggle that must be resolved.

Beginnings and Conflict. The Early World period (Genesis 1-11) lays the foundation for Scripture's story, detailing creation, the fall of humanity, the great flood, and the Tower of Babel. This period introduces the central characters (God, man, and woman) and the core conflict: humanity's rebellion against God. Understanding these foundational narratives is crucial for grasping the meaning of Israel's story and our own lives.

Creation as Temple. The creation account in Genesis 1 is not a scientific textbook but a theological poem. It communicates profound truths about God's creative act, envisioning the heavens as a dome and the earth upheld by pillars. This imagery depicts creation as a cosmic temple, pointing us to our end: praise and worship of the Creator.

Sin and Hope. The Fall introduces sin and its consequences: broken relationships, pain, and exile. However, even in this dark moment, God offers hope through the first promise of a savior (Genesis 3:15). The flood serves as a cataclysmic judgment on human wickedness, but also a new beginning through Noah. The Tower of Babel represents humanity's prideful attempt to reach God on its own terms, resulting in division and scattering.

3. Patriarchs: Covenant and Faith Tested

God desires to relate to his creatures, not as a master to a slave but as a Father to his sons and daughters!

Abraham's Call. The Patriarchs period (Genesis 12-50) focuses on Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. God calls Abraham to leave his homeland and promises him land, a royal dynasty, and a worldwide blessing. Abraham's obedience, though imperfect, marks a new beginning after the rebellion at Babel.

Covenant and Testing. God tests Abraham's faith through various trials, including the famine in Canaan and the command to sacrifice Isaac. These trials reveal Abraham's growing trust in God and foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The covenant with Abraham is a key theme, promising land, a royal dynasty, and a worldwide blessing.

Family Dynamics. The stories of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph highlight family conflicts, favoritism, and forgiveness. Jacob's deception and wrestling with God lead to his new name, Israel, and the promise of a nation. Joseph's story demonstrates God's providence in turning evil into good, saving his family from famine and fulfilling his dreams.

4. Exodus: Deliverance and Divine Law

The key to every good story is its plot, which brings together the many details, events, and characters to give the story its meaning and power.

Liberation and Purpose. The Egypt and Exodus period (Exodus) recounts Israel's deliverance from slavery and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. The Exodus is not merely a story of political liberation but also of spiritual transformation. God's purpose is to free Israel from Egypt's influence and establish a covenant relationship with them.

Moses' Call. Moses' story is central to the Exodus. God calls Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt, revealing his name (Yahweh) and empowering him with signs and wonders. Moses' initial reluctance and God's patient reassurance highlight the importance of trusting in God's power.

Law and Worship. The Ten Commandments and the Book of the Covenant provide the framework for Israel's life as God's people. The construction of the tabernacle signifies God's presence among them. The Passover commemorates their deliverance from Egypt and foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

5. Desert Wanderings: Testing and Rebellion

The serpent suggests that God cannot be a loving Father, for if he were, he wouldn’t have given Adam and Eve a commandment “limiting” them.

Testing and Provision. The Desert Wanderings period (Numbers) recounts Israel's forty-year journey from Mount Sinai to the borders of the Promised Land. This period is marked by testing, rebellion, and God's provision of manna and water. The purpose of these trials is to humble Israel and teach them to trust in God.

Rebellion and Consequences. Israel's repeated complaints and lack of faith lead to God's judgment. The people's refusal to enter the Promised Land results in a forty-year sentence in the wilderness. Moses' disobedience at Meribah also prevents him from entering the land.

Balaam's Blessing. The story of Balaam highlights God's sovereignty and his commitment to bless Israel, even when others seek to curse them. Balaam's prophecies foreshadow the future greatness of Israel and the coming of a messianic king.

6. Conquest & Judges: Faithfulness and Failure

The serpent, the father of lies, accuses God of being a liar!

Entering the Land. The Conquest and Judges period (Joshua, Judges) recounts Israel's conquest of Canaan and their subsequent struggles to maintain faithfulness to God. Joshua leads Israel into the Promised Land, but the conquest is incomplete due to Israel's disobedience.

Cycle of Sin. The book of Judges describes a recurring cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Israel's unfaithfulness leads to their subjugation by foreign powers, but God raises up judges to deliver them. However, this cycle repeats itself, highlighting Israel's ongoing struggle with idolatry and disobedience.

Foreign Faith. The stories of Rahab and Ruth offer glimpses of hope amidst the darkness of the Judges period. These foreign women demonstrate greater faith in God than many Israelites, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan of salvation.

7. Royal Kingdom: Unity and Seeds of Division

The serpent wants Eve to think that the reason God said that they couldn’t eat of the tree was because he knows that when they eat it, they will be like him.

United Kingdom. The Royal Kingdom period (1 & 2 Samuel, 1 Kings 1-11) marks the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. Samuel anoints Saul as the first king, but Saul's disobedience leads to his rejection. David, a man after God's own heart, becomes king and establishes Jerusalem as the capital.

Davidic Covenant. God makes a covenant with David, promising him an everlasting dynasty. David's reign is marked by military success and the desire to build a temple for God. However, David's sin with Bathsheba casts a shadow over his kingdom.

Solomon's Wisdom. Solomon succeeds David as king and is known for his wisdom and the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. However, Solomon's idolatry and oppression lead to the division of the kingdom after his death.

8. Exile: Loss and Longing for Restoration

The serpent suggests that if Eve eats the forbidden fruit, then she will be like God.

Consequences of Sin. The Exile period (2 Kings 17, 23-25) recounts the destruction of the Northern Kingdom of Israel by Assyria and the Southern Kingdom of Judah by Babylon. The exile is a consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry and disobedience to God's law.

Prophetic Hope. Despite the devastation of exile, prophets like Ezekiel and Daniel offer hope for restoration. Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones and Daniel's prophecies of a future kingdom provide comfort and encouragement to the exiles.

Faithfulness in Exile. The book of Tobit highlights the faithfulness of some Israelites in exile, demonstrating that even in the midst of suffering, it is possible to remain true to God's covenant. Daniel's unwavering commitment to God in the face of persecution also serves as an example of faithfulness.

9. Return: Rebuilding and Renewal

The serpent suggests that they are missing out, that God is holding something back.

Cyrus' Decree. The Return period (Ezra, Nehemiah) begins with Cyrus' decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This marks a new Exodus, as the exiles are freed from captivity and return to their homeland.

Rebuilding the Temple. Zerubbabel leads the first wave of returnees and oversees the rebuilding of the Temple. However, the rebuilding process is met with opposition from the Samaritans and other enemies.

Reforming the People. Ezra leads the second wave of returnees and focuses on teaching the people the Torah and reforming their lives according to God's law. Nehemiah leads the third wave and rebuilds the walls of Jerusalem, providing physical and spiritual protection for the community.

10. Maccabean Revolt: Fidelity Under Oppression

The serpent sows doubt into their hearts, and the resulting harvest will be bitter indeed.

Hellenistic Oppression. The Maccabean Revolt period (1 & 2 Maccabees) recounts the persecution of the Jewish people by the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Antiochus seeks to suppress Jewish religious practices and impose Hellenistic culture.

Maccabean Resistance. Mattathias and his sons, the Maccabees, lead a revolt against Antiochus and his forces. Judas Maccabeus leads the Jewish people to victory, recapturing Jerusalem and rededicating the Temple.

Martyrdom and Hope. The stories of Eleazar and the mother and her seven sons highlight the courage and faithfulness of those who chose martyrdom rather than compromise their faith. Their sacrifice inspires hope for future redemption.

11. Messianic Fulfillment: The Climax of Salvation History

The serpent suggests that the reason God said that they couldn’t eat of the tree was because he knows that when they eat it, they will be like him.

Historical Context. The Messianic Fulfillment period (Luke) begins with the birth of Jesus Christ in the Roman Empire. The gospels recount Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament.

Jesus' Ministry. Jesus proclaims the kingdom of God, performs miracles, and teaches with authority. He challenges the religious leaders of his day and offers a new way of relating to God and to one another.

Passion and Resurrection. Jesus' passion and death on the cross atone for the sins of humanity and open the way to eternal life. His resurrection demonstrates his victory over sin and death and inaugurates the new creation.

12. The Church: Spreading the Good News

The serpent suggests that they are missing out, that God is holding something back.

Emmaus Road. The story of the Emmaus disciples highlights the importance of understanding Scripture in light of Christ. Jesus reveals himself to them in the breaking of the bread, signifying the Eucharist.

Witnesses to the Resurrection. Jesus commissions his disciples to be witnesses of his resurrection and to spread the good news to all nations. The Church is born as the Holy Spirit empowers the disciples to carry out this mission.

Continuing the Story. The story of Scripture continues in the Church, as Christians live out their faith and share the gospel with the world. The Church is called to be a light to the nations, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham that all peoples would be blessed through his descendants.

Last updated: February 22, 2025