Today’s Devotion
Topic: Read With Understanding
Text: Acts 8:26, 30-31
26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road–the desert road–that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. 31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Amen
We often hear people say with great passion that there is no need to interpret the Bible, just read and do what it says. However, reading is totally different from gaining understanding. It is when we understand what we read that we obey and apply. This way, what is written ceases to be mere letters but a living word, sharper than a two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing assunder of soul and spirit (Hebrews 4: 12).
In as much as the Bible must not be seen as obscure, there is always the need to read it with understanding for spiritual insight. It is so because although written by holy men, every verse, chapter or text is God-inspired and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. So that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim.3:16- 17).
All students of the Bible must therefore learn to depend on the Holy Spirit for the understanding and interpretation of the word they read. He was there when the histories recorded in the Bible were being created. He Himself is the interpretation and fulfilment of all the prophecies, parables, proverbs as well as hidden truths contained in the holy scriptures. His other name is the Spirit of Truth, because He leads us into all truth (John 16:13).
So the next time you open your Bible to study, make sure you are in a serene atmosphere where meditation can be possible. Then ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what you read so that you don’t miss the deep treasures imbeded therein.
He will open the eyes of your understanding and reveal the mysteries of the written text for your personal edification and that of others too. Begin to pray! Ask that He removes all laziness and dullness that make understanding His word a struggle for you. If indeed you are what you read, then read the Bible more!
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