Luke 24:45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

Just as He had done with Cleopas and his friend during the walk to Emmaus, recorded just before this, Jesus opened the hearts/minds of His apostles as well. That’s something we all need, on a regular basis! On at least one level the Bible is easy to understand, but at the same time, it is infinitely deep, because it is a book by and about God, who is infinite. To use an expression Bill Whittle likes, we don’t have the “mental horsepower” to understand it all on our own, so we need God to reveal it to our hearts and minds. Incidentally, most English translations say “minds” here, while the Japanese says “hearts.” I think that’s significant, because academic knowledge of the Bible is never enough. I doesn’t hurt to know the original languages, certainly, and knowledge of the cultural context and the like can be very helpful, but it ultimately comes down to the Holy Spirit speaking His Word into us, for us to really grasp it. Here again the Japanese is helpful, because English translations just say “understand,” where the Japanese says “satoru,” the verb form of the Buddhist satori, enlightenment. This is far more than understanding that two plus two equals four. Human understanding is very dark, as in, “dim-witted.” There are countless Scriptures that refer to God in terms of light. It is only when He shines on and in us that we are able to grasp fully what He has said and is saying to us.

I have had academic knowledge of the Bible from childhood, having read the Bible through by the time I was 10. However, I was clear proof of what Paul said: “Knowledge puffs up while love builds up.” (1 Corinthians 8:1) I became a textbook example of spiritual conceit, and it wasn’t pretty in the least. He dealt with that in principle in a very dramatic encounter when I was 24, but He has had to give me “refresher lessons” from time to time ever since. That’s why I come to the Lord and His Word every morning, asking Him to open it to me and me to it, so that it may have its full work in me. (Isaiah 55:11) I delight to share what God has shown me, so times like this morning, when I’m letting someone else preach, are a growing exercise for me. However, God has given me fresh revelation through this sister, so I look forward to interpreting for her. With my teacher gifting, I’ve got to remember that the Holy Spirit is the ultimate Teacher, (John 14:26) and listen to Him as well as allow Him to speak through me. Thankfully, the Bible is readily available to all with whom I come into contact, so I can share God’s Word in printed form as well as verbally.

Father, thank You for Your Word, on so many levels. Help me be a faithful conduit, receiving and obeying it myself even as I share it, so that Your name may be acknowledged as holy and Your rule and reign be established as Your will is done, in holy perfection, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!