The Joy of Failure and reason for Bible Study

 Soul are you weary and troubled? Bless the Lord o my soul, worship his holy name. Hymns remind us that we are blessed to remember the Lord and to worship our way through difficult times. I'm experiencing the joy of failure today and remembering WD-40 got it's name through iteration (39 failures until success!). Why tri-bible.ai gives a lot of information and requirements analysis the ultimate goal remains. To make Scripture clear, doctrinally faithful, and reproducible across every language. Why translating a Bible study in German I found this bug: Psalm 139:14 reads as “terribly and wonderfully made” in contemporary German. Lord helps me to consider this Pure Joy (James 1:2-4). 

In Bible study we can enjoy learning but the main reason should always be to "get to know God" as John Lennox says in this interview. He recounts an important lesson from his mentor, Professor David Gooding, who challenged him to move beyond studying the Bible simply to prepare talks, teach classes, or fulfill obligations. Instead, he explains that if the Bible is truly the Word of God, the ultimate and most worthwhile purpose for engaging with it is to allow God to reveal Himself to the reader through it.

The distinction between viewing scripture as a vehicle for God's revelation versus dismissing it as "fantasy" largely comes down to the reader's attitude toward metaphors and the nature of language.

• Seeing Fantasy: Professor Lennox explains that many young people today struggle to understand metaphorical language. Because they lack training in the grammar of their own language, they often treat symbols and figures of speech in books like Revelation as literal descriptions. When these descriptions seem impossible or surreal (like a sword coming out of a mouth), they conclude the text is merely "fanciful" or "meaningless."
• Allowing Revelation: Conversely, approaching scripture to "get to know God" involves recognizing that metaphors stand for realities. Lennox notes that just as saying "my heart is broken" refers to a real experience rather than a literal damaged organ, biblical metaphors point toward deep, non-literal spiritual truths.

Ultimately, Lennox argues that reading the Bible as God's Word requires maturity and judgment. It isn't about ignoring intellect, but about accepting that the text uses imaginative language to communicate truths that transcend a purely literal, materialistic interpretation.

I read a book on the Psalms that shows God's wisdom in the Hebrew literary form of poetry that doesn't use rhyme but uses metaphor. "Bless is the person, who meditates on God's word - he is like a tree planted by stream. Producing fruit in every season... they prosper because the Lord watches over the way of the righteous."

Lord help me read the Bible with eyes that see, ears that hear and heart that understands. In Jesus name, amen. Give me confidence that you are watching over the way of righteousness and help me to meditate on your way. Keep me near your heart and guide me into the way of everlasting.