45 Then he opened
their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. - Luke 24:45 NIV
 |
| Source: Google Images |
One of the first things Jesus did for His disciples after His
resurrection was to open their minds to understand the Scriptures. Have you ever
wondered why didn't He open their minds to understand the Scriptures during His
earthly ministry before the crucifixion? I believe it wouldn't have been
possible because the natural mind cannot understand or accept the things of the
Spirit of God and the disciples, even though they believed in Jesus, were not
regenerated or born again yet, they were not New Creations yet, they didn't
have the Spirit within them. Remember, Jesus was yet to go to the cross and
atone for the sins of the human race.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus said He had many things to tell them but they couldn't bear or understand what He wanted to tell them at that time. He then went on to tell them that when the Holy Spirit comes, He will teach them and guide them into all truth. But right after His resurrection, Jesus, opened their minds to understand the Scriptures and when the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost just as Jesus promised, the disciples with their minds now open to understand the Scriptures, were empowered to boldly preach the Word of God.
An example of the natural mind unsuccessfully struggling to understand the Scriptures would be that of the Pharisees and the Scribes together with the Priests. They searched, studied and memorized the Scriptures, they could quote them forwards and backwards, upside up and upside down and everywhichway (I know...I know... but you get the point!) :) :) but according to Jesus, they didn't understand or even believe the Scriptures. Jesus rebuked them with these sobering words:
In the Gospel of John, Jesus said He had many things to tell them but they couldn't bear or understand what He wanted to tell them at that time. He then went on to tell them that when the Holy Spirit comes, He will teach them and guide them into all truth. But right after His resurrection, Jesus, opened their minds to understand the Scriptures and when the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost just as Jesus promised, the disciples with their minds now open to understand the Scriptures, were empowered to boldly preach the Word of God.
An example of the natural mind unsuccessfully struggling to understand the Scriptures would be that of the Pharisees and the Scribes together with the Priests. They searched, studied and memorized the Scriptures, they could quote them forwards and backwards, upside up and upside down and everywhichway (I know...I know... but you get the point!) :) :) but according to Jesus, they didn't understand or even believe the Scriptures. Jesus rebuked them with these sobering words:
39 You study the
Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life.
These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life. - John 5:39-40 (NIV)
As you spend time in the Word of God, know that the Holy Spirit has
already opened your mind to understand the Scriptures, invite Him to illuminate the Word, He Authored it, remember! See Jesus in them in all
His glory, majesty, splendor, mercy, loving kindness and grace. For the more
you see Jesus revealed in the Scriptures, the more of His life flows in you and
the more you are being transformed into His image from glory to glory!
Instead of just studying the Scriptures looking for a sermon to preach
or a doctrine to teach, let's consciously endeavor to see Christ in the
Scriptures today and every day.
Blessings beloved!
No comments:
Post a Comment