How to Study the Bible Intentionally [Updated Edition]: Methods and Conditions for Effective Bible Study

by Reuben A. Torrey

I have had quite a similar experience. Some years ago I was with a friend touring the Franconian Switzerland and visiting some of the more famous underground caves. One day the country letter carrier stopped us and asked if we would like to see a cave of rare beauty and interest, away from the beaten tracks of travel. Of course, we said yes. He led us through the woods and underbrush to the mouth of the cave, and we entered. All was dark and uncanny. He spoke much about the beauty of the cave, telling us of altars and fantastic formations, but we could see absolutely nothing. Now and then he uttered a note to warn us to be careful, as near our feet lay a gulf, the bottom of which had never been discovered. We began to fear that we might be the first discoverers of the bottom. There was nothing pleasant about the whole affair. But as soon as a torch was lit, everything became different. There were the stalagmites rising from the floor to meet the stalactites as they came down from the ceiling. There were beautiful and fantastic formations on every hand, and all glistening in the light. I have often thought it was like that with many passages of Scripture. Others tell you of its beauty, but you cannot see it. It looks dark and intricate and forbidding and dangerous, but when God’s own light is kindled there by prayer, how different all becomes in an instant. You see a beauty that language cannot express, and that only those who have stood there in the same light can appreciate.