Does it reach me? ...

Monday, Jan 23, 2017. Do you understand the biblical texts? What is the depth of your understanding? What is it that you can say: that is clear to me? And what are the questions you have: that I do not understand! Can you say you understand what is going on here, in the New Testament, in the Old Testament, in our modern time and society?

Wisdom and Understanding …

Understanding is an important topic in the bible. It is very important, indeed. Though, it is not merely about our mind, not only our intellect, but it is mainly about our heart. It is about wisdom as well - a much deeper layer of understanding! In the book of proverbs, we read:

1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, 3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; 4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— 5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, 6 to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1, 1-7)

It is very interesting: it seems that you need wisdom to learn. It seems you need understanding to gain understanding. If you are a fool, you despise wisdom and you will stay in your state which leads to destruction. That is quite tough - but this word from the Old Testament is confirmed by Jesus himself.

I want to learn …

The core question is: do I want to learn? Do I want to be wise, to gain wisdom? Do I want to gain understanding? We live with a promise of the most high: who searches him, will find him. Who longs with his or her whole heart, will not stay alone! If you approach God and ask him to show himself to you, and you take him serious, you will see that he is there.

The wisdom we talk about here is wisdom as it is found in the word which has been handed down for so many centuries already. The Old Testament reaches back many thousands of years. And it culminates in the New Testament, in Jesus, in the gospels, in the letters of the apostles, in the revelation. There is deep wisdom, which is accessible to all who start the journey of faith in Christ Jesus.

Note that here wisdom and knowledge is coming to the simple and to the young. Even very young people can be wise - when they learn from him, from Jesus. Even the simple minded can be deep and full of wisdom, when their heart is close to the Lord. Even intelligent people can be fools - it is a matter of where your heart is, and how willing you are to hear and to learn the wisdom of the most high, the eternal God and saviour! (Roland Potthast) ... more texts