SCRIPTURE: Luke 18:31-34
“They did not know what he was talking about.” (Luke 18:34)
Ever hear a sermon or read a bible verse that completely mystified you?
Ever feel dumb around other christians because you didn’t know the bible like they did?
Ever question your faith because what the bible says just doesn’t make sense to you?
You are in good company – you belong among Jesus’ disciples.
These are the very disciples that Jesus sent on a missionary journey (Matthew 10).
They were preaching the kingdom of God, and yet had no clue how it worked.
Right up to the very end they were confused about God’s kingdom (Acts 1:6).
Be encouraged, you do not need to understand it to be a follower.
You just need to be open, willing to admit what you don’t know, and willing to learn.
Those who thought they understood the things of God (the religious leaders) didn’t.
God prefers to work with those who don’t understand, because they can be more humble, more teachable; the know-it-all’s are less likely to listen and learn (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).
And remember again, Jesus sent out these ‘not-knowers’ out as His kingdom missionaries.
He did this because He knew the Spirit would speak through them (Matthew 10:19-20).
So don’t think less of yourself because you know less than others, or because you don’t understand everything that the bible teaches – you are in good company with Peter and James and John and the rest!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, it seems odd to say that my ignorance (not-knowing) qualifies me to be Your follower. Help me to be honest, humble, willing to learn and admit where I am wrong.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
I think it is interesting that it says that the meaning was hidden from them. I believe that God reveals things to us in His timing. When God shows me something, it is so easy to to feel smart like I “figured something out”. Usually, after that it is not long before I get a reminder that I am more lost than I would like to admit. I pray, Lord that you will continue to reveal yourself, through your word and your spirit, in your perfect timing.
I am this confused but eager child of God. I remember reading Seans childrens bible because of the easy laymen terms. I was do embarassed that Sean knew and still knows the bible eay better than I do. I am proud to say I graduated to a grownups bible lol but still have to read a verse in different versions to try and make sense of it a lot of the times.
This is so me! I always feel like the outcast Christian because I never fully understand what the Bible is trying to say as it is confusing. It’s hard to decipher the meaning in the verses and passages as to what God is trying to communicate across to me. I have to read verses over and over.
Observation/Application
Following and knowing in part – it is good – being with the Rabbi. And yet . . .
they did not understand as was also show in past happenings. They saw but not clearly.
And that is also true of me today. Do I really see? Or do I see what I want to see? Will I see clearly ever? (Cataract surgery tomorrow :-))
The disciples knew of the King of kings and could have know of what would happen to Him through the OT. Yet the future was hidden from them because . . . of what they wanted to see . . . of what Christ wanted to have them know or they would scatter . . . of preparation of days ahead for they would remember what He told them . . . of living and doing the here and now and not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will take care of itself . . .
And so I too see through a glass darkly not knowing the days ahead because of my limitations but also the happenings of each day are enough. Why worry about tomorrow for the Lord my God will provide. Just work while it is still day with the gifts and vision received and He will provide what is needed.
Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Refrain 1:
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready my God, Thy will to see,
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
Open my ears, that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.
Refrain 2:
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready my God, Thy will to see,
Open my ears, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
Open my mouth, and let me bear,
Gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart and let me prepare
Love with Thy children thus to share.
Refrain 3:
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready my God, Thy will to see,
Open my heart, illumine me,
Spirit divine!