The Word of God tells us that in all our getting we must get understanding. You see, it will profit us nothing to read the Bible from cover to cover, memorizing every Scripture verse in order that we might rattle off any one of them at will, yet not understand one single thing we have read or memorized. You’ve become a master Scripture-quoter but do not ask you for an explanation because you haven’t truly understood a word far less a sentence and worse yet a chapter. In all your getting you did not get understanding.
It happens. I’ve been to some Bible Study sessions where sadly, from the participants’ contributions, it is quite apparent that they have not even a basic concept of what the preacher has said. Religiously they attend, week after week, unaware of the importance of digging deeper outside of a once-a-week Bible Study and Sunday morning sermon.
Friends, we cannot depend on ourselves or others for this understanding that Solomon is exhorting us to get. God is the source of understanding and even though He may use people to impart understanding, ultimately that understanding is from Him. It is a gift from God. We can read His Word until our eyes are protruding from their sockets, unless He gives us understanding we just won’t get it.
So how do we get understanding? We ask for it. It’s that simple. No matter who you are or think you are – whatever your status in life – recognize that you are a servant of God, admit that without His insight you will understand nothing, and humble yourself and ask.
The King James Version puts it like this, “I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.” (Psalm 119:125) and I also like the Message Bible translation,
“I’m your servant—help me understand what that means, the inner meaning of your instructions.”
Understanding is there for the taking, available to anyone – the educated and the fool alike; the extravagant and the simple; the priest as well as the laity – whosoever will ask for it will be given it. It is God who gives us the ability to understand the Bible; it is God who gives us spiritual understanding. It is His Spirit that brings us a proper understanding.
Pastors, Preachers, Priests and Bible Teachers may lead us to the pasture to feed but in order to properly understand we must seek God’s understanding.
“…stretch your mind toward understanding. Call out for insight, and cry aloud for understanding. Seek it like silver; search for it like hidden treasure. Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and discover the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:2-5 (CEB)
Get Understanding Shelley Johnson 06-May-2016
No comments:
Post a Comment