An Open Mind To Scripture
44 “Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.” Luke 24:44-45 NKJV
One of the biggest hindrances to the spiritual growth of many is what they perceive to be their inability to understand the Bible. At some point in our lives, we have all been frustrated following Jesus because we just don’t seem to be able to understand what we are reading in the Bible. If you feel like you cannot understand it, then you have a decreased interest in reading it. When we are not reading the Bible, we are stagnating and falling backward, which only adds to our growing frustration. Every one of us can understand the Bible because it is for all of us. It is Jesus revealing Himself to us personally, and He desires that each of us grow in our knowledge of Him through our understanding the Word. It is not only for Scholars and Seminary students to understand the Bible, but it is also imperative for us to understand as well. The good news is we can. Even if it has previously been a struggle, you can understand what you read in the Bible and this needs to be your expectation.
In the verses above, Jesus is giving His final words to the disciples before he ascends to heaven. Jesus tells them the words of the Prophets and opens their minds to understand the scriptures.
This must be important to Jesus as we see that this is the second time He has done this in this very chapter. Earlier Jesus had opened the minds of understanding of the two disciples He walked with on the road to Emmaus. Can you see how important it was for Jesus to have His disciples understand the scriptures? This is how important it is to Jesus today to have you understand the scriptures as well.
Jesus empowered them to understand the Scriptures, how much more possible is that for you and me today. We now have the Holy Spirit of God dwelling in us, to teach us and give us an understanding of the Bible. If Jesus could open the minds of understanding of His disciples, don’t you think He has opened your mind as well so that you can understand? And He has given you the Holy Spirit to teach you the Bible.
The Holy Spirit will teach you to understand. He will reveal a true understanding of the Word of God to each one of us if we desire and if we have confidence that He is doing just that in our lives. If you have a hard time understanding what you read in the Bible, try this. The next time you are getting ready to read the Word, before you open it, just take a moment and pray for revelation from the Holy Spirit as you read. Then relax and enjoy the Bible with understanding, and wisdom like you have never before experienced.
J Todd Hostetler