FEb 22 I Don't Understand

Feb 22

I Don’t Understand 

Ac 8:30 … Understandest thou what thou readest?

Lu 24:45 Then opened he their understanding,

 

Philip was a man who understood obedience.  God told him to get over to the road that goes south out of Jerusalem. That was sort of an odd thing to tell Philip to do since there are few people living along that road through the desert.  But Philip responded and met a man who was reading the book of Isaiah. Philip asked him if he understood and the man admitted he did not and needed someone to explain it to him.  The result of Philip’s prompt obedience was the man received Christ.

(Note: This is one of the places where the King James Bible includes 8:37 and most modern translations omit it. More on this important subject at another time)

Philip had obeyed even though he did not understand why God wanted him out in the desert. Too often we want to know all the details about what God is doing in our lives before we will agree to do it.  I guess we just want to know if what God is doing makes any sense and meets with our approval. Some people may want to know what God is trying to do because they know a better way to do it.

Understanding what God is doing and what His word says can be a challenge. There are some things that we will not understand on this side of glory. Your children may not understand why you want them to follow certain rules. They may not appreciate what you did until they are parents. So we, as children of God also do not understand. Some things are beyond our comprehension.  We are obedient to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and leave the results to God. We are not called to be successful but faithful.

There are, however,  many things we should understand. They are within our comprehension. We just need to go to the right place to get the information which will lead to our understanding. 

Little Tommy ran in and asked his mother “Where did I come from?”  She carefully explained the process of procreation to her son.  Tommy rather impatiently said” Oh Mom, I know all about that. But where did I come from? Johnny next door came from Chicago. Where did I come from?”

My favorite example of how we can understand something is found in Luke 24:45. Two people were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. The risen Christ joins them and asks what they were talking about. (24:17)  They recount the recent events in Jerusalem regarding the crucifixion and the empty tomb.  Christ then joins in their conversation about the events in Jerusalem during the last week. He has an explanation for what has happened.

Lu 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the

prophets,he expounded unto them in all the

scriptures the things concerning himself.

When they arrived at their home they invited Christ in for supper. When he broke the bread and blessed it they realized it was Christ.  At that point he vanished and the two headed for town to meet with the eleven, where Christ reappears. They are all afraid, confused, and do not understand what is happening.  Christ again explains from the scriptures that He is the promised one.

Lu 24:44 …that all things must be fulfilled,

which were written in the law of Moses, and in

the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Christ helped them to understand the scriptures they had studied as Jews.  The passages were familiar to them, perhaps even memorized by some, but without the understanding. 

Lu 24:45 Then opened he their understanding,

that they might understand the scriptures,

That is the key to understanding the Bible. Having our understanding opened.  But how do we do that?  Reading the King James Bible won’t do it. Reading modern translations won’t do it. Nor will a library of study books, or a preacher, or TV evangelist.  The two on the way to Emmaus are our example of how to have our understanding opened.

They walked with Christ.  If we are not walking with Christ there is no reason for the Holy Spirit to aid us in understanding additional spiritual truths.   

They talked with Christ.  Today prayer is our method of talking with the heavenly Father, through Christ. I have learned some great lessons about myself during prayer.  I once asked God “If you can show me where I have wronged a certain person I will go to them and ask forgiveness”  Now how long do you think it took for that prayer to be answered?  That’s right!  The answer came before I finished praying. It did not take me long to go to the man and ask forgiveness    

Thirdly they listened as He spoke.  The result was their eyes were opened and they knew Him. If we just take time to quiet our heart and mind and listen the Holy Spirit can speak to us. (Yes you should stop texting while you wait!) 

One additional thing that they did. Once they had gained some new understanding, they acted on it. When you are given the understanding of the scriptures you should apply it.  That is how we continue to gain understanding.  Do you think God will continue to teach you when you do not put into practice what he has revealed to you?

 

Spiritual things cannot be understood by anyone who does not have Christ as their personal Savior. If you do not know Christ you cannot understand the Bible. If you do not walk with Christ you will stop any further instruction and understanding of what you should be doing until you come back to walking the talk.  When Christ left he sent the Holy Spirit to guide us. If we do not pray to God and listen to the Holy Spirit we will not have any basis for understanding the Scriptures and God’s purpose in our lives.   

Finally, it all takes time. There are no short cuts. God is not in a hurry. Be obedient to what God has revealed to you and more will be given as you grow and learn. Just don’t be in a hurry. And whatever you do don’t pray for patience or you will get triplets!  May God bless you as you seek greater understanding of his Word and will.  

Ps 119:169  …O LORD: give me

understanding according to thy word.