He Opened Their Understanding

 

Have you ever had one of those aha moments?  This is that time when you figured out whatever was vexing you.  It might have been a math or science problem.  It might have been a particularly troubling task.  It might have been the answer to a crossword puzzle clue.  When you “get” it you have a feeling of accomplishment.  Sometimes you want to tell others what you figured out, showing them what you learned.

 

How did you figure the thing out?  Was it by chance?  Was it dumb luck?  Was it by instruction?  Was it by diligent searching?

 

Luke 24:45-48 – Jesus opened their understanding and comprehension of the scriptures.

 

Luke 10:21-24 – The disciples saw what others longed to see.

 

1 Peter 1:10-12 – The prophets of old revealed things for us.  They sought out the meaning and time but God revealed it was not for them but for others to come.

 

Matt. 13:17 – Jesus told the disciples they see what others longed to see.

 

Luke 2:25-35 – Simeon saw the Messiah as an infant

 

Luke 24:13-35 – Jesus taught the two as they traveled.  Their eyes were opened to Jesus and the scriptures.  They immediately sought out the apostles and told them what had happened.

 

It is hard for us to imagine complete and instantaneous knowledge and understanding of the scriptures but that is what happened.

 

Today we have the complete revelation in front of us.  We do not have this instantaneous knowledge but we have knowledge if we will use it.

 

2 Tim. 3:16-17 – All scripture is given with reason and purpose.

 

Eph. 3:1-6 – The mystery has been made know – specifically so that Gentiles could be partakers

 

Eph. 1:7-10 – These are the times that the prophets searched for; the times of salvation and redemption.

 

But, with all that we have what does it require of us?

 

We are required to search out and learn, meditate and study.

 

Acts 17:11-12 – The Bereans did not take Paul at his word but studied for themselves.  Because of their searching and the teaching they believed.

 

Psalm 119:97-99 – Our meditation is God’s law.

 

1 Tim. 4:15 – Meditate on these things.

 

2 Tim. 3:6-7 – not like those who can never come an understanding

 

James 1:25 – Look into and do

 

Prov. 4:5 – Get wisdom, get understanding

 

Prov. 2:1-6 – From the Lord comes wisdom and understanding

 

At times we can shake our head and wonder why someone left the church, why our children are not faithful, why congregations apostatize, why we cannot teach others.  The reason is simple in answer but difficult in application; it is study then do.  We must study God’s word in order for it to be affective and effective in our lives.

 

What are you studying?

 

How are you studying it?

 

 

 

Chip Foster