Before we begin a new series, it’s vitally important to make one thing absolutely clear concerning God’s Word.
The Bible is not like any other book. It is not a collection of man-made philosophies, stories, or history. It is inspired by Almighty God (2 Timothy 3:16), and spans the entire existence of man and God’s eternal plan, from the beginning of creation to the end of time as we know it.
The truths found in the Bible will change our lives as we incorporate its principles. God's revelation to mankind through the scripture is intended to bring us to the Author Himself. It therefore must be interpreted and understood through divine revelation. The Word is Spirit and life but must be illuminated by the Holy Spirit (John 6:63) otherwise it will not benefit the reader anymore than a good novel or scientific journal.
Paul prayed for this type of revelation for the church at Ephesus.
15) Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,16) do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,
18) the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19) and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20) which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21) far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
22) And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23) which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Ephesians 1:15-23
By this we realize the importance of not just hearing or reading scripture, but also having a divine revelation that floods our understanding with light and life transforming wisdom.
The scriptures, therefore, should bring us closer to God experientially. They should cause us to know the Father, the Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in a personal way. Reading God’s Word should be a living reality that brings us into an encounter with Him.
The Bible is just ink on the page if we do not have a revelation from the Father. It is, therefore, imperative to have a prayerful attitude when reading God’s Word. We should expect the Author, Himself, to enlighten our understanding as we read. We must approach God’s Word with an expectation of gaining new insights and wisdom.
Two disciples experienced this personal heartfelt enlightenment as they unknowingly walked with Jesus towards the town of Emmaus.
13) And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.14) And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
15) And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. 16) But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
17) And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
18) And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
19) And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: 20) And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
21) But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, today is the third day since these things were done.
22) Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulcher; 23) And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. 24) And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulcher, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
25) Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26) Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
27) And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
28) And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. 29) But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
30) And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. 31) And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
32) And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? Luke 24:13-32 KJV
The scripture came alive while Jesus spoke to them. It must be the same for us. We must allow the Holy Spirit, Whom Jesus sent in His place, to teach us all things and bring to remembrance everything He has spoken to us. (John 14:26)
Let us make reading the scripture an intimate time with the Father and the Lord Jesus. Let us always pray for His guidance, understanding, and revelation as we look into the Word of Truth. This is one of the ways the Lord speaks to us, so we must be listening expectantly as we open its pages.
We’ll begin a new study next time. Until then, abide in the Word, and may God our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, richly bless and keep you.
James Brown
CST 06/21/2024
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