Wow, this is really neat. I'm actually reading through the Old Testament right now and am midway through Exodus at the moment. For some reason I had always thought that the Old Testament was not really all that important anymore since grace replaced the law...I am learning reading through it that that is not the case. I think in order to really understand the New Testament, a person needs to have an understanding of the Old Testament. It helps me appreciate Jesus' sacrifice more, and it is simply awe-inspiring when I realize that the God of the Old Testament is the same God as the New Testament and the same God as today.

I really like the bit you wrote that says how painful it is to watch people muddle through on their own, but that they learn more when they do. It is (unfortunately) true.