MONDAY August 1, 2022

Comprehending the Scriptures

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.” And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.
Luke 24:44-45

Before His Ascension, Jesus opened the understanding of His disciples so they could comprehend the Scriptures––all the things written about Him. He continued to unfold the plan of salvation to them––how they were eye witnesses of these things and the need to wait for the Holy Spirit:

“Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:46-49).

In John 7:37-39, Jesus, while He was still with His disciples during the time of His ministry, had spoken to them about the Holy Spirit’s work:

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Jesus also explained to them, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26).

Believers are able to comprehend the Scriptures with the Holy Spirit’s help. However, this brings up a good point: If you only read parts of the New Testament and not any of the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit can only bring back to your remembrance the things you have studied and read. Make it a discipline to read the entire Bible.

...the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
~1 Corinthians 2:10~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!