The Bible is a mysterious book. Who can understand it? Some people seem to think that reading the Bible is "old-fashioned." They may even think that readers of the Bible are "out of this world," not fit for society.
Many things happen that cannot be easily explained. Special knowledge and/or dedicated study is required. There is no doubt that many people have become experts in some field and therefore have a much broader understanding than the uninformed person.
But, honestly now, do these people have a better understanding of the events in this world? Can they explain the evils in society? What with the denial of a cholera outbreak, with worldwide corruption at all levels of governments, wirh constantly decreasing societal standards in the western world, or with pornography and sex slavery, to name just a few? Or can they explain why, for example, platonic love or libetinism have not died over the centuries in spite of better education and living conditions?
My observation is that Bible readers have good, and many times, better insights into daily events than the "worldly" people. And here is the reason:
Jesus told his followers who learned from him, "I use figurative language when I preach so that the common man will hear but not understand and see but not perceive. But you, my learners, are privileged, because God has revealed to you the secrets of His kingdom. God has given you eyes to see and insight to understand." Jesus sets his disciples apart from the people of learning and power when he says, "Prophets and kings wanted to see what you see and hear what you hear, but they could not perceive it."
Luke, the gospel writer, tells us that an expert in the Jewish law came to Jesus in order to test him. He asked what Jesus thought the most important commandment was. In Luke 10:29 we read that the this expert found the answer too simple. He wanted to enter into a learned discussion, like so many people still do. But Jesus keeps the message simple: Love God and love your fellow man.
Not only experts and learned people have difficulties, even his followers have this problem. Take busy Martha and Mary who preferred to listen (Luk. 10:38-42). Some Christians feel it is a mark of spirituality to attend banquets, seminars, workshops, and conferences week after week. Martha's concept of "Love the Lord" was activity, however, Mary's concept was quiescence. Jesus wants first an inner experience of the heart, and from that will grow the profound and divine activities, which are necessary.
A little later, Jesus speaks about "the light in you" and the danger that this light can become "darkness." Again Jesus is using picture language. Is it possible for a lighted lamp to be darkness? Yes, it is. That lighted lamp is darkness when it is put out of sight. Light is of value only when it is kept shining and in the open. Light hidden is darkness. Truth not obeyed is valueless. Knowledge unyielded is ignorance. For example, a person apprehends the revealed will of God but does not practice it; the light is darkness. Or, a person studies and interprets the Word of God but does not permit this Word to become the guiding principle of his life; again, the light is darkness.
Many people, whether Christian or not, have good education and morals, but have not perceived the "secrets of the kingdom of God." They have not listened with their heart. Those who have can understand. Can you?
Many things happen that cannot be easily explained. Special knowledge and/or dedicated study is required. There is no doubt that many people have become experts in some field and therefore have a much broader understanding than the uninformed person.
But, honestly now, do these people have a better understanding of the events in this world? Can they explain the evils in society? What with the denial of a cholera outbreak, with worldwide corruption at all levels of governments, wirh constantly decreasing societal standards in the western world, or with pornography and sex slavery, to name just a few? Or can they explain why, for example, platonic love or libetinism have not died over the centuries in spite of better education and living conditions?
My observation is that Bible readers have good, and many times, better insights into daily events than the "worldly" people. And here is the reason:
Jesus told his followers who learned from him, "I use figurative language when I preach so that the common man will hear but not understand and see but not perceive. But you, my learners, are privileged, because God has revealed to you the secrets of His kingdom. God has given you eyes to see and insight to understand." Jesus sets his disciples apart from the people of learning and power when he says, "Prophets and kings wanted to see what you see and hear what you hear, but they could not perceive it."
Luke, the gospel writer, tells us that an expert in the Jewish law came to Jesus in order to test him. He asked what Jesus thought the most important commandment was. In Luke 10:29 we read that the this expert found the answer too simple. He wanted to enter into a learned discussion, like so many people still do. But Jesus keeps the message simple: Love God and love your fellow man.
Not only experts and learned people have difficulties, even his followers have this problem. Take busy Martha and Mary who preferred to listen (Luk. 10:38-42). Some Christians feel it is a mark of spirituality to attend banquets, seminars, workshops, and conferences week after week. Martha's concept of "Love the Lord" was activity, however, Mary's concept was quiescence. Jesus wants first an inner experience of the heart, and from that will grow the profound and divine activities, which are necessary.
A little later, Jesus speaks about "the light in you" and the danger that this light can become "darkness." Again Jesus is using picture language. Is it possible for a lighted lamp to be darkness? Yes, it is. That lighted lamp is darkness when it is put out of sight. Light is of value only when it is kept shining and in the open. Light hidden is darkness. Truth not obeyed is valueless. Knowledge unyielded is ignorance. For example, a person apprehends the revealed will of God but does not practice it; the light is darkness. Or, a person studies and interprets the Word of God but does not permit this Word to become the guiding principle of his life; again, the light is darkness.
Many people, whether Christian or not, have good education and morals, but have not perceived the "secrets of the kingdom of God." They have not listened with their heart. Those who have can understand. Can you?
Continue reading Who can understand?.
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