“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (NIV)
“Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” (NIV)
Understanding involves both comprehension and interpretation. Yet, comprehension differs from interpretation. Comprehension is the measure of understanding of a text or passage. On the other hand, interpretation facilitates understanding by assigning meanings to words, symbols and differences in unknown languages, cultures, and traditions.
Understanding is a wonderful thing. And being able to interpret correctly is a key to understanding. The best understanding is when we experience the “light bulb” effect. The light bulb effect occurs when we get it . . . our brain flashes full comprehension of the point being made. It is the “ah ha ‘ moment.
Understanding. One of the keys to faith. “Now faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Yet, we acknowledge that hearing the Word of God doesn’t always bring understanding of God’s word. So, there is another key element of our hearing. We need the Spirit of God to open our minds so that we may understand the Scripture.
Open minds reject unbelief and doubt. Open minds reject dogmatic, rigid positions of belief. Open minds are ready to receive the engrafted word of God. Open minds lay aside personal presuppositions and allow the Holy Spirit to clarify truth. Open-minded individuals pray, “open my eyes that I may see.”
Here we find another key element of faith. The motivation for understanding the truth of God’s Word. It isn’t enough to simple say that we believe. What we believe is as important — more important really — as the fact of belief. I don’t merely want to believe that the Bible is the Word of God. I want to fellowship with the God of the Bible. I want to have a deep relationship with him. I want to “know him and the power of his resurrection.” To fully know and understand requires the guidance of the Holy Spirit. “Ask and you will receive, Seek and you will find.”
Dear Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth. Empower us with a spirit of seeking truth instead of our own opinions. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today as you seek understanding of God’s Word,