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I have a predilection in my daydreaming for imagining differing Biblical and theological scenarios.
I’ve spent time considering my first audience with the Trinity, discussing the proverbial how a mighty and loving God could allow evil, and I also want to know how I could have improved my prayer life. I want to discuss predestination with the Apostle Paul and make a few suggestions from my vast “blog” experience on how he could have improved his writing.
Recently, I’ve been thinking that if enemies of the gospel captured me, placing me in prison, but allowing me to have 12 chapters from the Bible of my choosing to read, what would they be?
Here they are:
Genesis 1: I love the Creation story. It set in motion God’s intentions for all of us.
Revelation 22: I find hope in the chapter that depicts the end of the story of history. Is there a better conclusion for a history book than Revelation 22:20-21, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”
Exodus 3: The “burning bush” story of God calling Moses. Hidden in this chapter are the beginnings of the problems in the Middle East today. Plus, an example of God giving each of us a purpose in life.
Psalm 25, Psalm 91, and Psalm 139: This is my psalm package. I would convince my captors (believing them to be biblically illiterate) that since they all begin with “Psalm,” they are verses from the same chapter.
Daniel 11-12: Again, I must convince my foes that exegetically, these two chapters should be considered one chapter. My captors would be stumped when I use the word “exegetically” and cave. These two chapters contain as many end-time prophecies as any other chapter(s) in the Bible.
Luke 2: The birth of Jesus is a must-read. I will tell my enemies that I will read this to them on Christmas morning.
Matthew 6, 7, and 8: All three chapters are one sermon! I’m pushing it now. I don’t want to be put on a diet of gruel and water, so I will settle down and only list single chapters from now on.
John 20: Though Matthew, Mark, and Luke have a resurrection story, this is my favorite.
Romans 8: This chapter contains at least 20 promises, including verse 28 as one of my favorites, “And we know that God works all things together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 12: The best chapter in the Bible for understanding grace in connection with our spiritual gifts, and how to deal with people we don’t like. While in prison with my limited Bible, I would go over and over verses 20-21, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Ephesians 2: Verse 8, “For by grace we have been saved, not of our doing, but the grace of God.” And verse 10, “We are His workmanship.” ‘Nuff said.
Philippians 4: Best chapter in the Bible for summarizing God’s care in difficult situations — peace (v. 7), power (v. 13), and provision (v. 19). And I love the final verse, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”
That’s my chosen 12 chapters.
I tried to add the following chapters, but was refused (where is a “Philippian jailer” type when you need him?). The chapters I would have included if I could have — Colossians 2, 1 Corinthians 13, Psalm 103, Psalm 27, 1 Thessalonians 12, Hebrews 11, James 1 and 5, 2 Peter 1, and Revelation 4.
Editor’s note: By the way, I never expect to spend a long time in prison for my faith, as all of you should be praying for me to have that chariot of fire that took Elijah from earth to heaven pick me up and drop me off at my house.
What are your favorite 12 chapters?