TRANSCRIPT
Dear Warriors, let us turn our attention to the holy Scriptures and to the One who reveals their true meaning. In Luke 24:27, we read about Jesus leading His disciples on a journey through the Scriptures, pointing out how everything in them pointed to Him. He explained how the prophets of old had foretold His coming, and how the words of Moses had prepared the way for His ministry.
The disciples were amazed by what they heard. They were not familiar with the way that Jesus was interpreting the Scriptures. The plain meaning of the text had not been all that plain to them until Jesus opened their eyes. And so it is with us. We need the Spirit of God to help us understand the true meaning of the Scriptures. We cannot rely solely on our own intellect or human wisdom to interpret the Word of God.
It is true that some parts of Scripture are very clear and straightforward. God's plan of salvation, for example, is spelled out in simple terms. But there are also deeper truths, hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered. As we read the Bible, we should always be open to the possibility that God is speaking to us in ways we may not immediately understand. His voice is able to express infinite truths in a finite number of words. He can creatively apply His words to a variety of situations at one time.
The four approaches to interpreting Scripture that our Lord used – (1) a literal, surface meaning; (2) a deeper meaning often found in hints and nuances of words; (3) a metaphorical or allegorical meaning taken from symbolism in a passage; and (4) a hidden, subjective, mystical interpretation – are all valid ways of hearing the voice of God. We should not limit ourselves to just one approach. Instead, we should ask the Holy Spirit to guide us as we read and study the Bible. He will help us understand the plain meaning of the text, as well as the deeper layers of meaning that lie beneath the surface.
So let us read the Scriptures with an open heart and a listening ear, asking God to reveal the truth to us. Let us not be satisfied with a superficial understanding of God's Word, but let us seek to know Him more deeply through His Word. As we do, may the Spirit of God lead us into all truth, and may we be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Amen.
