At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way!
Jesus' prayer here points out the fatal flaw of systematic theology and logically trying to decipher the deep meanings of Scripture and Truths of God. It is one thing to think through Scripture logically and come to conclusions based on our own best thinking, but we will always come up short of what God intends us to grasp because spiritual understanding is based on revelation from God, not systematic study and logical reasoning. God actually hides truth from those who attempt to apprehend Him with their minds. On the other hand, God gives insight and revelation to those simply seek Him and love Him. The first approach is all about religion; God is not impressed with our efforts at being religious. The second approach is all about relationship; this is God's plan.
I don't mean, of course, that Scripture is illogical or truth unreasonable. But it is clear that the we do not fall in love with God or learn to walk in grace and mercy by studying theology. We cannot live out the fruit of the Spirit by logic. We should study. We should think. But at the end of the day, we just need to relax in the certain knowledge that Father loves us. When all is said and done, we cannot get past the simplicity of the Great Commandment: Love God with all of our hearts, souls, minds and strength, and love others as we love ourselves. In doing this, we discover God's heart.
MAN THIS SPOKE TO ME TODAY.
ReplyDeleteGod's been revealing more religious thought i bind myself to lately...'dont trust in your system of doing things' or even your ability to reason and analyze... move away from trusting in your analytical skills..whn you go to that plac of being introspecive to see how you're lining up with Me... but begin to focus on Me more... put your faith out there in the area of trusting to hear my voice more... Come to me with expectancy... Meet with Me... believe and dont doubt...i wanna meet with you.. I am enjoying your presence scotti.. won't you spend more timewith Me? " Its a relationship scott. not a sytem of finding peace and confidence for the day because you did all the right things in the morning b4 the day got started.' yeah sadly to say.. i find that im still here , steve.. aha..
"expect to hear Me" "expect to meet with Me" I hear Him saying..
Scott -you're growing and learning. I like that you used the word expectancy. Sometimes we approach God with expectations, which is a whole different attitude. Expectancy has to do with belief and trust -expectation has to do with entitlement. I hope to see you again someday, friend.
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