From: Nivard . . .
Sent: Wed, 20 July, 2011 19:10:55
Subject: They see but do not understand
16 Thursday (21 July 2011):
"Many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see and hear what you hear" Matthew 13:10-17
There is only one thing that can open a closed, confused, and divided mind – a broken heart and humble spirit! The word disciple means one who is willing to learn and ready to submit to the wisdom and truth which comes from God. Psalm 119 expresses the joy and delight of a disciple who loves God's word and who embraces it with trust and obedience. "Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation." (Psalm 119:97-99)
Father, may our hearts never grow dull and may our ears never tire of listening to the voice of Christ our Lord.
God can only reveal the secrets of his kingdom to the humble and trusting person who acknowledges their need for God and for his truth. The parables of Jesus will enlighten us if we approach them with an open mind and heart, ready to let them challenge us. If we approach God's word with indifference, skepticism, and disbelief, then we, too, may "hear but not understand" and "see but not perceive." God's word can only take root in a receptive heart that is ready to believe and willing to submit. If we want to hear and to understand God's word, we must listen with reverence and faith. Do you believe God's word and do you submit to it with trust and reverence?
Jerome, an early church bible scholar who lived between 342-419 AD, wrote: "You are reading [the scriptures]? No.Your betrothed is talking to you. It is your betrothed, that is, Christ, who is united with you. He tears you away from the solitude of the desert and brings you into his home, saying to you, 'Enter into the joy of your Master.'"
Father, may your Holy Spirit, be our teacher and guide. Open my ears to hear God's word and open my eyes to understand God's action in my life. May our hearts never grow dull and may our ears never tire of listening to the voice of Christ our Lord.
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