Devotional: God Speaks Through All of Scripture
Scripture
“Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” Romans 15:4 (NLT)
“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.” John 1:1–3 (NLT)
Suggested Reading
Genesis 15:1–6
Matthew 5:17–20
Revelation 21:1–7
Lesson
Many Christians quietly live as “New Testament only” believers. They open the Gospels, the letters, and Revelation, but leave the Old Testament behind as though it were outdated or unnecessary. But God is still speaking through all of His Word.
The Old Testament reveals the holiness of God and the brokenness of humanity. It shows us why sin destroys, why justice matters, and why we cannot save ourselves. It points us toward promises that are fulfilled perfectly in Jesus Christ through the New Testament. Together, both Testaments tell the complete story of redemption.
Without the Old Testament, the cross can feel like a sudden twist in the story. But when we read Scripture as one unified account, we see God’s plan unfolding from beginning to end: promised in Genesis, foreshadowed through sacrifice and covenant, proclaimed by the prophets, and fulfilled in Christ.
Several years ago, my husband and I were unhappy with where we lived and had spent months searching for a home. One house checked every box: updated, in budget, a few acres for a small homestead, even a separate garage apartment that could become a baking and canning space. But there was one problem. It was close to the city.
The night our realtor called to tell us another offer had come in, my heart filled with anxiety. If we wanted the house, we would have to compete for it.
That evening, I walked our dog wrestling internally over what to do. Then I heard it clearly in my spirit: “Look up.” I ignored it. A few steps later, again: “Look up.” So I did.
Above me stretched a sky full of brilliant stars, unobscured by city lights. The stars have always felt like home to me, a reminder of God’s vastness and nearness at the same time. In that moment, I knew we were not meant to live near the city, and we decided not to make an offer.
Just days later, another house came back on the market after a previous deal fell through. It was the home God had for us. More than a house, it became the place where we found a church family, caring neighbors, and healing after years of grief and loss.
Before that move, we were lukewarm Christians. We did not attend church regularly, and we had not truly surrendered our lives to the Lord. But through that season, through a neighbor’s invitation to church, and through the steady teaching of Scripture week after week, God began changing our hearts.
Looking back now, I can see His faithfulness through years of pain and wandering, even when we were far from Him. He had never stopped pursuing us.
The stars themselves became a reminder of His voice. God spoke them into existence from the very beginning. Their beauty still points to His power and presence today. As a child, I loved stepping outside on cool nights with a blanket just to stare at the sky in awe. Even now, I think about Abraham standing beneath those same stars while God promised descendants too numerous to count (Genesis 15:5).
And through Christ, we are part of that promise.
Galatians tells us that those who belong to Christ are Abraham’s descendants and heirs according to the promise. That means when Abraham looked at the night sky, God already knew us. He knew our stories, our marriage, our children, and every step that would lead us back to Him.
From beginning to end, He is God.
The same God who spoke to Abraham still speaks through His Word today. The same eternal Word present in John 1 is woven from Genesis to Revelation. Scripture is not disconnected fragments. It is one living story pointing us to Christ.
If we close our ears to half of the Bible, we miss part of His voice.
Application
- Like Samuel, Isaiah, and Mary, may our answer be: “Here I am.”
- Not just for the comforting parts of Scripture, but for the whole counsel of God’s Word, even when it convicts us, stretches us, and reveals our need for grace.
- This week, commit to reading from both the Old and New Testament. Ask God to help you see how every part of Scripture points to His character and His plan of redemption through Christ.
- Slow down as you read. Do not rush through familiar passages. Let Scripture shape your thinking, challenge your assumptions, and deepen your understanding of who God is.
Reflection Questions
- Do I tend to focus more on certain parts of Scripture while avoiding others? Why?
- What does the Old Testament teach me about my need for Jesus?
- How have I seen God remain faithful even in seasons when I was distant from Him?
- What would it look like for me to fully say, “Here I am, Lord,” to the whole of God’s Word?
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank You for speaking through all of Scripture. Open my ears to hear You in every part of Your Word, from Genesis to Revelation. Help me not to avoid the passages that convict or challenge me, but to trust that all of Scripture is useful for teaching, correction, and growth. Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness, even in seasons when I wandered far from You. Teach me to respond with surrender and trust, saying, “Here I am, Lord!”
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
