I love studying history. To assist me with my studies, I always construct a timeline. In doing so, I am able to connect seemingly disparate events and characters and see how they are woven together in the fabric of time.
Several years ago, I acquired a chronological Bible. This Bible places the chapters and verses of the Bible in the approximate chronological order in which they were first written. Thus, instead of the Gospel of Matthew beginning the New Testament, verses from the Gospel of Mark begin the New Testament, since this was the first Gospel that was written. In addition, events that are recorded in all four Gospels, such as the feeding of the five thousand, are placed in consecutive verses, acknowledging the simultaneous occurrence of the event. In this manner, it is a timeline of Jesus’ ministry and instructive to see the harmony of the four Gospels.
One of many insights I have gained is learning of the intimate associations between the prophets who were preaching during the same period to both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The prophets Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Jeremiah all preached dire warnings of judgment. These were not seemingly disconnected prophecies. I saw the Hand of God expertly weaving and directing the events of history.
He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light.
Daniel 2:21-22 (NLT)
God created time. He does not act randomly and without purpose. His providence oversees history and if we are willing to dig deeper into the Bible, we can see the very granular details of how He accomplishes His will along a divine timeline.
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 