5 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
“So he said, ‘The secrets of the kingdom of God have been given for you to know, but to the rest it is in parables, so that “Looking they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.”’”
Luke 8:10 (CSB)
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
As we look at our verse for today, we might wonder: “Why? Why did Jesus say that His followers would be able to understand parables and “the secrets of the kingdom of God” while unbelievers wouldn’t be able to see and understand them?
We could immediately jump to the conclusion that we have the Holy Spirit within us who can illuminate God’s truth to us. That would be correct. Just read passages like John 16:13-15 and 1 Corinthians 2:12-16.
Yet, I think something else is also in view. The parables of Jesus were simply easy to understand stories that were intended to illustrate and explain a spiritual principle. A Jesus-follower, who loved the Lord and His Word, would spend time reflecting on the parable and eventually grasp it’s meaning and implications. Someone who didn’t love the Lord and His Word wouldn’t bother to reflect on Jesus’ parables and so they wouldn’t understand them.
Do you want to embark on an adventure of seeing incredible things in God’s Word? Do you want the thrill of discovery in understanding what God has shared with us regarding “the secrets of the kingdom of God?”
Then you must rely upon the Holy Spirit. But, you must also commit to getting into God’s Word, reading it, and reflecting on it.
On occasion, I will share something in a sermon or in personal conversation from God’s Word. The one I’m talking with will widen their eyes and say something like: “That’s incredible! I never saw that before! But it’s as clear as day in God’s Word.” And then they might say, “How did you come to understand that?”
Simply put, I’ve spent hours and hours and hours in God’s Word, reading it and reflecting on it. I don’t really see it as a spiritual discipline. It’s something that I have come to enjoy doing.
Psalm 119:97 (CSB): “How I love your instruction! It is my meditation all day long.”
While I enjoy God’s Word, I do not regularly experience the words of the Psalmist that I just quoted. So, I’ve got more work to do. And if I can do it, so can you, my friend!
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Lord Jesus, I want the thrill of discovery. I want to know and understand Your Word. I am also convinced that I cannot live and think the way You desire unless I am developing a biblical mind. So, help me as I determine to spend significant, daily time in my Bible. Help me to read it and reflect on it so that You can reveal “the secrets of the Kingdom.” I want to know You and Your Word. Help me please. Amen
Matt’s Musings 