We don't always understand. Every time I read Revelation I tell myself that this time I'm going to really get it. (Yes, I know, I'm slightly delusion.) In case you haven't noticed, Revelation is a difficult book. It's not about history, facts, stories or Jesus' teachings while he was here on earth. Those are things I can pretty much get my head around. But Revelation can stump, perplex, baffle, confound, etc. me, and I'm guessing you've had a similar experience with it and maybe some other scripture passages as well. Well guess what? That's normal. If you're reading your Bible, it's just gonna happen.
The question is, what should we do when that happens? Sometimes I'm tempted to just stop reading, or I avoid those places where I think it will be too difficult altogether. But I know that's not the right response. So let's hear it. What do we do when we don't understand scripture? Tami W.
When we don't understand scripture we turn to God and ask Him for help and understanding. Matthew7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
The Holy Spirit is the auther of all the Holy Bible and He lives in us to teach all we can handle at the time, so we need to read it slow and often. Each time He has something new to bless us with. It's an adventure to experience what comes next!!
Finding a trusted source of interpretation is key to understanding many things in scripture. God calls some to interpret -- their gift is for our benefit. My criteria for such a person:
1. Devoted to Spirit-led study -- a scholar, not a sensationalist.
2. Demonstrates a Spirit-filled life.
3. Explains competing theories and then applies Godly wisdom to help the lay reader understand.
4. Humble enough to say "I don't know".
Hi Tami,
There a book for avialable for free in titled the divine outlined which includes all twenty two chapters of revelation with a brief simplified overview of each chapter. If you would like a copy I can email you a PDF copy of the book.
Please email me back if you would want it. I know you might get alot of email but I enjoyed reading all of my P4 everyday and I appreciate you doing it. And we both know that your mom is very proud of you doing this work and she is with the Lord watching over you know too.
God Bless and have a great week.
Evangeline
I have found that there are a lot of things that I can do when I do not understand scripture:
Pray about it...maybe God will provide an answer
Ask a close Christian friend, pastor, or other leader about their thoughts
Do some online research or read a book about the scripture that seems unclear, simultaneously being alert to weed out the resources that do no good
Try to find some cross references as an aid for understanding
Btw, thanks for those scriptures Rodney. You have reminded me that God should be the first source that I turn to, especially when I need help in understanding his word :)