Spiritually Shallow, Deaf and Blind: Luke 9:43-45
“43) And they were all amazed at the greatness of God. But while everyone was marveling at all that He was doing, He said to His disciples, 44) “Let these words sink into your ears; for the Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45) But they did not understand this statement, and it was concealed from them so that they would not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this statement.” Luke 9:43-45
This was now the fourth or fifth time Jesus clearly told His disciples about His coming suffering on the cross. (Some heard it more than others) Matthew 17:22-23 which covers this same account is even more clear and candid about what Jesus said awaited Him.
I am often baffled that they were slow of understanding. Each time the message was very clear and concise. Luke says, “it was concealed from them so that they could not perceive it.”
Herein is one of the mysteries of spiritual truth and the word of God. Until the Holy Spirit opens the understanding, a person can remain deaf and closed to precious biblical truths for a long time. The can even viciously oppose them.
No wonder Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:17-18 that God would give believers a spirit of wisdom and revelation into the knowledge of Christ. We should constantly seek the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit and let Him stretch our understanding.
According to 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 and Hebrews 5:11-14, the primary reason for spiritual immaturity and ignorance is sinful carnality. Disobedience and unbelief are blinding.
As long as you choose to live in the flesh and indulge in worldly wisdom, you will be stuck in deception, bondage and pitiful spiritual ignorance. Many spend years in this pitiful wilderness. Some never leave.
There were myriads of precious spiritual truths that were off limits to me as a relatively new Christian living with sinful bondage in my life. I went to Bible college and got theological knowledge, but I lacked spiritual wisdom and perception.
Many concepts I viciously opposed as a young pastor fresh out of Bible College, I now embrace as precious and magnificent promises. Many of these relate to the ministry of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, the power of God, Zoe life, deep communion with God, intercessory prayer, authority in Christ and abiding in the full benefits of the kingdom of light. Living in dominion life did not even register on my radar screen.
Back to the text.
The problem was not with the message Jesus tried communicating with His disciples, the problem was that they were not ready for spiritual meat. They could only receive milk. They were like spiritual babies.
By the amazing grace of God, that would change quickly. Over the next several months all but Judas would grow exponentially. The Holy Spirit was about be poured out on them and radically transform them. They then grew quickly from infancy to adulthood.
What about you? Are content with spiritual baby food and throwing tantrums or are you ready for solid food and spiritual adulthood? It will take humility, obedience, repentance and openness to the deep ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Stop being content with spiritual mediocrity. Let go of your shallow past and press on!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“43) And they were all amazed at the greatness of God. But while everyone was marveling at all that He was doing, He said to His disciples, 44) “Let these words sink into your ears; for the Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45) But they did not understand this statement, and it was concealed from them so that they would not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this statement.” Luke 9:43-45
This was now the fourth or fifth time Jesus clearly told His disciples about His coming suffering on the cross. (Some heard it more than others) Matthew 17:22-23 which covers this same account is even more clear and candid about what Jesus said awaited Him.
I am often baffled that they were slow of understanding. Each time the message was very clear and concise. Luke says, “it was concealed from them so that they could not perceive it.”
Herein is one of the mysteries of spiritual truth and the word of God. Until the Holy Spirit opens the understanding, a person can remain deaf and closed to precious biblical truths for a long time. The can even viciously oppose them.
No wonder Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:17-18 that God would give believers a spirit of wisdom and revelation into the knowledge of Christ. We should constantly seek the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit and let Him stretch our understanding.
According to 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 and Hebrews 5:11-14, the primary reason for spiritual immaturity and ignorance is sinful carnality. Disobedience and unbelief are blinding.
As long as you choose to live in the flesh and indulge in worldly wisdom, you will be stuck in deception, bondage and pitiful spiritual ignorance. Many spend years in this pitiful wilderness. Some never leave.
There were myriads of precious spiritual truths that were off limits to me as a relatively new Christian living with sinful bondage in my life. I went to Bible college and got theological knowledge, but I lacked spiritual wisdom and perception.
Many concepts I viciously opposed as a young pastor fresh out of Bible College, I now embrace as precious and magnificent promises. Many of these relate to the ministry of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, the power of God, Zoe life, deep communion with God, intercessory prayer, authority in Christ and abiding in the full benefits of the kingdom of light. Living in dominion life did not even register on my radar screen.
Back to the text.
The problem was not with the message Jesus tried communicating with His disciples, the problem was that they were not ready for spiritual meat. They could only receive milk. They were like spiritual babies.
By the amazing grace of God, that would change quickly. Over the next several months all but Judas would grow exponentially. The Holy Spirit was about be poured out on them and radically transform them. They then grew quickly from infancy to adulthood.
What about you? Are content with spiritual baby food and throwing tantrums or are you ready for solid food and spiritual adulthood? It will take humility, obedience, repentance and openness to the deep ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Stop being content with spiritual mediocrity. Let go of your shallow past and press on!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
