I recently drew this illustration in discussion of problems in the church today. You see, all too often we have painted the Bible as a simple story book. It has become shallow, surface readings and quick interpretations. We have forgotten about context, culture and we certainly have no clue how to exegete. We have gone into the sea of Biblical truth up to our waist, and assumed that the whole expanse of Biblical truth is only waist deep.
In reality, we need to become equipped. Like a scuba diver learns the equipment and is trained how to go deeper than any weekend shoreline splasher could dream of going. They dive deep into the depths, seeing and exploring things that he previously never dreamed existed.
We must learn how to ask the right questions. What is this passage saying to the original audience? What do the words mean in this culture, what is really being said here? What does this mean in the context of the rest of the scripture, how does this change my life? Why did God choose to have this passage in the Bible, why do I need to know these things which seem so insignificant? What do i need to do in light of what I am learning?
As we begin to pour ourselves into scripture and really get into the depths, we will learn greater and more valuable lessons each time. We must spend time with other learners who are taking the same journey and learn to really get down into the deep water to find the pearls in the depths.
