Journal Luke 9 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears…” Luke 9:43b-44a
Observation: A person needs to be on the ball to find the Jewels in the Sand. Ever wonder why there are so many things that Jesus says that he says are not to be understood?
Analysis: Today’s journal has to do with the principle of hearing and concealment by the Holy Spirit.
Objectively, I would have thought that the Word of God should be totally open and understandable in every respect. Obviously, God did not. Just a few references:
- “But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that (a reason for) they might not perceive it.” Luke 9:45a
- “…he said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables so that ‘seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand’” Luke 8:10
There are a few more like this salted around the Bible. I wonder what for?
One thing that I have determined is that God the Holy Spirit emphasizes SEARCHING, not waiting around for a drop of revelation to plop in my gray matter—but to think, ponder, grind upon, wrestle with, etc. Scripture.
To paraphrase: “Let he who is determined to pursue God and the sustenance of His Word, let him desire greater determination.”
Prayer: Ah, Lord. The things you reveal inbetween sentences. Marvelous.
Amen,
Rick Sutton