8 Bible Verses That Show Why You Shouldn't Ignore the Old Testament
The Old Testament gets glossed over at times, like that yearbook photo when you didn't realize it was Picture Day and you just got braces and had Oreos for breakfast. You try to hide it in the past, but it just keeps coming up on Facebook.
With confusing laws, belligerent giants and firestorms from heaven, the OT can take a backseat while the Gospels and Epistles get all the sermon mentions. But as head-scratching as some of it might be, the Old Testament still matters today. Here are 8 verses to show why.
1. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. – Genesis 1:1 (ESV)
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That sunset you Instagrammed last night? God made that. The cat you just photographed to text to your friends? God made him. The ocean that woman fell into while checking Facebook on her phone? God made it. (Oh, and we need to get off our phones more.)
2. The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. – Numbers 6:24–26 (ESV)
God gave this beautiful blessing to Moses to be passed on to his beloved people, Israel. It's just as tender today and works remarkably well as an email signature.
3. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me... – Deuteronomy 5:6–21 (ESV)
Otherwise known as the Ten Commandments. You know that Law that Jesus says that He didn't come to abolish, but to fulfill? The Law he says will remain intact until heaven and earth pass away? This is what He's talking about!
4. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. – Joshua 24:15 (ESV)
Since Adam's first breath, humans have had free will. We have the freedom to worship Christ or Yoda, just like the Israelites had their pick of the neighboring peoples' gods. In this passage, Joshua asserts their freedom of choice but boldly claims his household for the one true God.
5. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures... – Psalm 23 (ESV)
This peace-filled psalm announces God's goodness, protection and provision, and is commonly used in funerals today.
6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV)
An assuring bit of wisdom from Solomon that's a beacon of inspiration at any point in life, especially when your religion degree struggles to land you gainful employment.
7. Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. – Job 38:4 (ESV)
God opens his cross-examination of Job with this simple question to which any of our answers will be "Umm…" For all we know and have discovered and have accomplished, we have a place in creation. It's a lofty one, but comes nowhere near His glory.
8. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
If you needed any more convincing, the Old Testament points to Him. The Son, the Passover Lamb, the High Priest, the Judge, the Kinsman-Redeemer, the Shepherd, the Bridegroom and so many more.
The Old Testament matters because it's the story of Jesus before we knew Him as Jesus. Long before John, it announces the coming of the Savior of all.
The New Testament is amazing, the story of Christ and Him crucfied, the fulfillment of The Promise – but The Promise is in the prequel, and it's worth the time.
