Joy of Understanding

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

“And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.” (Neh. 8:12)

The Spirit led Philip asked the timeless question of the ages: “Understandest thou what thou readest?” (Acts 8:30) Reading the Bible does not necessarily dictate spiritual understanding. The mind of God is sealed up to the purposes of God. Even the disciples on the road to Emmaus when their understanding was opened acknowledged: “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Lk. 24:32, see 45) Oh, what tremendous joys flood the mind and heart when heavenly understanding springs from the fountain of living waters! Experiencing the mind of God through the Spirit incites joy unspeakable and full of glory not to be repented of.

Paul declared that the words of the Apostles were “not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” (I Cor. 2:13) In Job it is said, “But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.” (Job 32:8) We are made to know that the Spirit and the hand of God must be at work in the instruction of the things of God to enable accurate understanding. This is a most precious gift from the Father, to know even as we are known. Great treasures are harbored in the bosom of the Father, but only His hand is able to draw them out and place them in the understanding of the sons of God. May He be pleased to do so!!

In Proverbs we learn, “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” (Prov. 3:13) Where there is understanding, there the Father is also. Who cannot but rejoice? Life is an extremely difficult journey, but godly understanding softens the stones of the pathway. Rejoice! Rejoice! “For God is King of all the earth: sing ye praise with understanding.”(Ps. 47:7)