The Bible Code

Back when I was a young child a book named The Bible Code was released in bookstores here in America. The gist of the book is that there is some sort of secret Hebraic code hidden within the text of the Bible. This code, when cracked, reveals the true meaning of things and those who do not know the code are left to wallow in the darkness of ignorance. While this sort of nonsense is clearly perceived to my, now, 25 year old mind, as a young boy the book left me with a strong impression that I could not understand the Bible without some sort of secret knowledge.

Unfortunately, I don’t think I’m the only child who has been left with this impression. To many children, the Bible seems secretive and confusing. Moreover, the tidal wave of dispensational presumption that has washed over so many churches in America tends to further shroud the scriptures in mystery. This is not how things should be.

In many ways there is a “Bible code.” But this code is not some secret you need to find from the “ancient wisdom” of a rabbi in Jerusalem. No, the code of the Bible is much more straight forward. Let me give you a quick example.

This morning Caroline and I were reading 1 Samuel 2. At this point in the story Samuel is a young boy ministering in the House of the Lord. In 1 Samuel 2:26 the author notes:

Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with man.

For people who have read the Gospels, particularly Luke, this verse should be sounding off alarms. see what Luke 2:52 says:

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

Sound familiar? These two verses are like looking into a mirror. The “Bible code” is not mysterious or secret. The Bible code is clearly presented before our eyes in almost every page of scripture. Furthermore, the key to the "code" is Jesus.

In this particular example, Luke is trying to tell us that Jesus is the new and greater Samuel. Just like Samuel, Jesus is about the business of the Lord’s house, Israel. Just like Samuel, Jesus will confront the wicked rulers of Israel, the Pharisees who are new Sauls. And, just like Samuel, Jesus will ensure that the true king who cares for the flock of Israel will ascend to the throne, namely himself.

The “Bible code” is simple. But in order to see its simplicity we must be saturated with the scriptures and have eyes to see and ears to hear.

Food for thought.

Michae