Why do I re-read mystery stories?

Ever since I can remember, I have been drawn to mystery stories. In part, the plot is predictable and the evil is always served an element of justice. I believe for these reasons I return again and again to these stories. 

But even as a young reader, I would find myself re-reading mysteries. And now as an adult, I still do so. 

Why?

Many of my fellow readers do not re-read stories let alone re-read mysteries. The thinking is that once you know the ending the joy of the story is lost. Maybe even for some, the purpose of the story is lost.

My personal experience is quite different. I often find joy in reading the story for the first time. But there is a specific type of joy when you encounter a story where you know the ending. You are able to appreciate the nuance of the actions and dialogue and see the stream of foreshadowing. Although as a reader, you cannot know the mind of the author completely, rereading stories gives you a special insight into the author's creative process. For the author, their writing has been expanded in ways beyond the reader’s understanding.

They dissected and turned over every part of their story, often changing and editing each part. 

In this way, the re-read gives you exclusive insight into the mind of the writer. There is a seriously lovely joy in getting to see the story unfold again and again.

I do like mystery stories when they are new and fresh. I am shocked or feel confirmed in the big reveal moment. But, I also love to re-read them and notice all the ways the author foreshadows the plot.  

As with everything, I am always considering the question:

How does this apply to my Christian walk?

I think it worth noting that although reading fiction is wonderful, reading the Word is life giving in a way that cannot compare to other books. 

You might be thinking, It is all nice for you to talk about re-reading, the Bible and things. But how can I experience the joy of re-reading? 

It is done in two ways. Firstly, we re-read the bible. The genres in this book include historical, wisdom, literary, and biographical. There are so many genres it is hard to keep track. Yet, there is a clear beginning, middle and end. The story follows a basic plot structure that is both simple and satisfying. 

And guess what? It doesn’t ruin the book that you know the ending. The ending is actually the cosmic groaning in which our entire universe longs. Some might argue that it is a confirmation bias to receive such joy from the ending of the Bible. There is a multi-layered aspect of faith that is informed by the Word, experience, and the revelation of the Holy Spirit. 

By understanding the End, the real end of the entire universe, I believe you have insight into the Author.

The Author being God.

When we re-read the Bible, especially in its entirety, the Story that God has authored takes us further than just our initial understanding. We see God’s character, we see his perfect authorship on display. We see the ways in which God relates to his creations and the promises that he keeps. The story unfolds, has turns and ups and downs. But through it all the line of truth becomes revealed. And tet me tell you, the re-reads make the truth better and better. 

On a side note, it is for this reason that I love following the church calendar. This practice of remembering Christ’s story throughout the year is one of my favorite things. It highlights the beauty of re-reading the Story again and again.

For some, it may be weary to hear another Easter sermon. Do we need to talk about John and Peter running again?

Yes, it is best to relish in the retelling for without it, we will forget.

And through the retelling we will notice the new, the old,but most importantly, we notice the truth.

I enjoy re-reading stories as it reveals the beauty of the craft of writing. I re-read mysteries even when I know the ending. For knowing the ending helps inform the entire rest of my interpretation of the story. 

And this process is the same for the Bible. As I re-read the Bible, I have come to appreciate the beauty of the way our Author has crafted a story of redemption with the most satisfying ending of all.