PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 18:31-34
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The disciples did not understand any of this.” (Luke 18:34)
Sometimes I wonder whether we really know what Jesus is talking about.
I grew up being told exactly what everything in the bible meant.
And I was told that true faith was ‘absolute certainty’ that this was true.
But over time I’ve started to question whether we really understand.
I’m not saying we are totally wrong… just that we’re not totally right.
As I’ve studied theology (seminary, years of ministry), I’ve grown less certain.
There are so many perspectives and interpretations of Jesus and the bible.
I know the stories and the texts, but how they are understood differs.
This has led me to realize the importance of humility and grace.
Humility says I do not know it all, and I am most certainly wrong somewhere.
Grace says I am saved not because I am right, but because Jesus is gracious.
I do not understand the HOW of Jesus’s atonement, only that somehow it works.
The Lord has taught me to hold on to my theology and understanding lightly…
And to hold on to him firmly, for he – not my understanding – is my hope!
PRAYER
Lord, the Latin for ‘I do not know’ is ignoro. Humble me in my ignorance, and strengthen me in my confidence in you, whether I understand you or not.
Ignoro indeed! I can’t imagine how frustrating it would have to be for Jesus to have to relay this again and again, “Guy, for the third time, just so you know, this is where they kill me and fulfill the prophecies laid for the Son of Man,” and they still didn’t get it.
Lord help me not be so ignorant to what you’ve put right infront of me! Lord I am like a child – help me lean on your understanding.
I can understand that the disciples are clueless about what Jesus has been talking to them about – the scripture implies it was kept from their understanding – I wonder if we are clueless about the Kingdom and Jesus return. I believe the HS is revealing that to us – yet there are different understandings – in sense I’m not going to read or study and try to see what will happen next etc. what matters to me is that I belong to Jesus – and whether I’m translated to that final day when I die or I happen to be around when Jesus returns – its all okay. In the meantime I’m going to live the way the HS guides me. I do know the signs are there – like Jesus said. I can expect him anytime.
Today I look through a glass darkly – not seeing all things clearly. I too am like the disciples not grasping all what He has said in His Word. Yet that Word does tell me again and again that I am saved by grace and not because of works or knowledge. Each day anew I pray that my eyes may be opened to see Him more clearly as I live for Him.
I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.
Refrain:
Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.