Are you Deaf?
We see two groups of people among Jesus’ audience. The apathetic group heard the parable of Jesus and went away. The other group thought about it and wanted to slake their quest for soul-satisfying knowledge. These are the ones who exercise their minds to understand. There are deeper areas in our lives where we need a right-about-turn and a healing or forgiving touch of the Lord (Mk 4:12). The first group went away without this transforming experience. Everytime we read God’s Word, if we exercise our hearts and minds to understand, we will turn a little towards the path of life and experience the healing and forgiving touch. Many fail to become connoisseurs of the Scriptures because for them Bible reading is a sacred duty and they hardly stop to understand what they read.
Jesus questioned, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables ?” (Mk 4:13). That is, Jesus expected them to take notes and do some homework on what they heard. Such ears and eyes are blessed (Mt 13:16). He then proceeded to explain to them the parable.
The entire parable is about the way we hear or read God’s Word. “When anyone hears (or reads) the word of the Kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart” (Mt 13:19). When we hear or read a verse it falls on the ear drum or retina respectively. That is not enough to make us understand. The matter must be taken to the brain and interpreted for understanding. We must activate our grey matter for this. The first time we hear or read, an electrical activity runs along the grey matter. When we read it again another flash runs along the same line making it stronger. Even then it is easier for the wicked one to snatch it away like a pirate looting treasures. But when we stop to think about every word we read and understand the verse, the line deepens. When we refer and study and clarify our doubts, it goes deeper still. Then it becomes impossible for the birds to pick them away. Certainly, what we do not understand, we do not possess.
“But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears (or reads) the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” (Mt 13:23). When the understanding component is lacking, we are as good as deaf and blind. We stand kneedeep in rivers of living water and die of thirst!
In Mark seven Jesus told them another parable: “Hear Me, everyone and understand... If anyone has ears to hear let him hear” (vv 14,16). Once inside the house the disciples wanted notes on the parable. They desired spoonfeeding. Jesus rebuked, “Are you thus without understanding?” Jesus taught them patiently in the beginning. Then He expected them to exercise their mind and understand. In another instance He was quite upset and chided the disciples. “Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?... How is it you do not understand?” (Mk 8:17-21). Remembering is bedfellow to understanding. This is easily done by writing down. When we take notes during sermons we listen better and therefore understand better. Once we understand we remember better. That’s why we should develop the habit of writing down our daily meditation. If this can prevent the devil from snatching away precious pearls the Lord gives us every morning, is it too much to do?
It was not that only the disciples had the previlege of understanding; because Jesus spoke the Word with many such parables “as they were able to hear it,” i.e. according to their ability to understand. More explanation was given to them when they were alone (Mk 4:33,34). Each can understand according to the ability God has given him, under the Holy Spirit’s tutelage. Just as we say, “It’s not the sugar that makes the tea sweet, but the stirring,” how can God’s Word be sweet unless we stir it?
Jesus continued to speak more parables and at one point He asked, “Have you understood all these things?” They said to Him, “Yes Lord” (Mt 13:51). Obviously they were growing in understanding. In the beginning we may find it hard, but as we practice, we will grow (1 Cor 13:11). That’s how Jesus “grew” in wisdom. He was “listening to the teachers in the temple.” He did not stop with that. When something was not clear, He asked them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His “understanding” (Lk 2:46,47)
Asking questions is not foolishness. It is the pathway to wisdom. We should never be too tired to go to someone to clear our doubts. The disciples at times were afraid. Jesus told His disciples, “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men. But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they were afraid to ask Him about this saying” (Lk 9:44,45; Jn 12:16). If only they had taken courage to ask, the future happenings would have been easier for them and the following ugly dispute would not have ensued. We lack intimacy with our Master because we do not bother to understand what we do not understand. We are not prepared to pay the price and so we settle for a less demanding level of Bible study. Even Daniel the wise buried his ego to ask what he didn’t understand (Dan 7:16). The Ethiopian minister accepted that he was reading the Scriptures without understanding and requested help. That unlocked experiences for him (Acts 8:30,31).
Open your Bible as if it were a treasure chest. When your memory builds up, passages will start clicking at a rapid pace. When we make an honest attempt God opens our understanding that we may comprehend the Scriptures (Lk 24:45). Prayer opens the eyes of our understanding and kindles a fire in our hearts (Eph 1:17,18; 2 Tim 2:7).
There is another important factor in understanding—a burning desire to obey God’s Word, whatever it may cost. David not only prayed, “Teach me to do Your will” but also sang, “I delight to do Your will, O my God” (Psa 143:10; 40:8). Our practice lags behind preaching. Jesus told the Jews, “Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My Word” (Jn 8:43). He said if anyone “wants” to do His will, he shall “know” (Jn 7:17). The Jews did not want to believe or obey Ezekiel’s prophecy. Therefore eventhough it was plain to understand they said, “He speaks in parables” (Ezek 20:49). God listens well, but doesn’t talk much—unless He knows you are a good listener.
We do not understand the Scriptures because we don’t want to understand, because we know the cost of obedience. Let us not be like the gullible women “loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim 3:7); but be absolutely committed to following the Word of God, whatever it costs, wherever it leads. “Thus says the Lord God: he who hears, let him hear; and he who refuses, let him refuse; for they are a rebellious house” (Ezek 3:27). Noah kept shouting at the top of his lungs but people did not stop to understand until the flood came and took them all away (Mt 24:39). When the floods came, suddenly they understood everything—but it was too late! Let us not be taken by such a crude end.
Many have the ossified habit of speeding through the Bible on a bike without brakes, once every year. It’s sacrificing depth for area. It is the matter that matters. Do not rush through the Bible. God made time but man made haste. The sheer beauty of some passages may hold you. And then a phrase or a verse would suddenly leap up and electrify you and make you feel the presence of the great One. When you get such tantalizing glimpses, delve in there. Meditate every word, every sentence, every verse, every chapter, every book and unravel the truths.
View every word through a telescope, then a microscope. Slowing down makes your journey through the Scriptures less of a blur and helps you focus. So read without a deadline. When people understand and obey the Word of God, revival shall not tarry.
Try the following schedule to stimulate your grey matter which is by and large helping me to understand the Bible. Start writing down in a notebook or diary. You have 66 books to study. Begin with the one chapter books so that you experience the joy of completing a book early. Then go on to two chapter books and then bigger ones. Study each chapter the following way.
1. Read the entire chapter repeatedly, grasp the contents and give an appropriate title. For example, ‘Jesus better than Angels’ may be a fitting title for Hebrews chapter one.
2. Write as many questions and answers from the chapter and learn them.
3. Explain each conjunction. For example: “Therefore by Him let us continuously offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Heb 13:15). Explain the “therefore.” Why should we be continuously praising and thanking God? Because, this world is not our permanent residence. We are waiting for a new city, the heavenly Jerusalem.
4. Note down the important topics touched upon in that chapter—like hell, judgement, patience, etc.
5. Write down the repetition of words, phrases, and sentences with reference and see if there is any connection between them.
For example in the Book of Hebrews chapter 9 the word “conscience” is connected (vv 9,14). It becomes easy to understand that offerings and sacrifices cannot perfect one’s conscience but only the blood of Christ can. Again in chapter 10, verse 35, “Therefore do not cast away your confidence which has great reward.” What is this confidence or boldness ? It is in verse 19. It is the boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus. Writing down the opposites also enlightens.
6. Write down all that is written about the Father, Christ and the Holy Spirit. Practice the use of these to worship God.
7. Write down the message of the chapter in 2 to 5 sentences.
8. Try to discover the theme of the entire book, in the chapter you are working on. It may not be clear in the first few chapters. But as you proceed the theme will become more pronounced. When you study the Book of Hebrews it will become clear that the author writes about “perfection.” Once you discover the theme, all the difficult passages will click into place. Having the theme in mind if we read the Book again a new understanding will emerge.
9. Memorize any golden verse.
10. Note down doubts and your discoveries.
11. Answer the question, “How does God want me to change?”
12. Write down your decisions.
Tick the Book you completed, in your Bible index.
Last of all you may use Bible Commentaries, Study Bibles, Bible Dictionaries, maps, etc., to enhance your knowledge. Especially read the introduction to the book. You can start a Bible Reading Club with one or more of your friends. You can work at home and come together once a week or fortnight to share your testimonies and clarify doubts. Group discipline is easier to maintain. You can celebrate the completion of each book and also decade, silver and golden jubilees as you finish more books. The reward is winsome. As the year draws to a close you’ll find yourself with added acquity, ingenuity and resourcefulness!
“The wise shall understand” (Dan 12:10).
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, 8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
Are you Deaf?
We see two groups of people among Jesus’ audience. The apathetic group heard the parable of Jesus and went away. The other group thought about it and wanted to slake their quest for soul-satisfying knowledge. These are the ones who exercise their minds to understand. There are deeper areas in our lives where we need a right-about-turn and a healing or forgiving touch of the Lord (Mk 4:12). The first group went away without this transforming experience. Everytime we read God’s Word, if we exercise our hearts and minds to understand, we will turn a little towards the path of life and experience the healing and forgiving touch. Many fail to become connoisseurs of the Scriptures because for them Bible reading is a sacred duty and they hardly stop to understand what they read.
Jesus questioned, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables ?” (Mk 4:13). That is, Jesus expected them to take notes and do some homework on what they heard. Such ears and eyes are blessed (Mt 13:16). He then proceeded to explain to them the parable.
The entire parable is about the way we hear or read God’s Word. “When anyone hears (or reads) the word of the Kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart” (Mt 13:19). When we hear or read a verse it falls on the ear drum or retina respectively. That is not enough to make us understand. The matter must be taken to the brain and interpreted for understanding. We must activate our grey matter for this. The first time we hear or read, an electrical activity runs along the grey matter. When we read it again another flash runs along the same line making it stronger. Even then it is easier for the wicked one to snatch it away like a pirate looting treasures. But when we stop to think about every word we read and understand the verse, the line deepens. When we refer and study and clarify our doubts, it goes deeper still. Then it becomes impossible for the birds to pick them away. Certainly, what we do not understand, we do not possess.
“But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears (or reads) the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” (Mt 13:23). When the understanding component is lacking, we are as good as deaf and blind. We stand kneedeep in rivers of living water and die of thirst!
In Mark seven Jesus told them another parable: “Hear Me, everyone and understand... If anyone has ears to hear let him hear” (vv 14,16). Once inside the house the disciples wanted notes on the parable. They desired spoonfeeding. Jesus rebuked, “Are you thus without understanding?” Jesus taught them patiently in the beginning. Then He expected them to exercise their mind and understand. In another instance He was quite upset and chided the disciples. “Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?... How is it you do not understand?” (Mk 8:17-21). Remembering is bedfellow to understanding. This is easily done by writing down. When we take notes during sermons we listen better and therefore understand better. Once we understand we remember better. That’s why we should develop the habit of writing down our daily meditation. If this can prevent the devil from snatching away precious pearls the Lord gives us every morning, is it too much to do?
It was not that only the disciples had the previlege of understanding; because Jesus spoke the Word with many such parables “as they were able to hear it,” i.e. according to their ability to understand. More explanation was given to them when they were alone (Mk 4:33,34). Each can understand according to the ability God has given him, under the Holy Spirit’s tutelage. Just as we say, “It’s not the sugar that makes the tea sweet, but the stirring,” how can God’s Word be sweet unless we stir it?
Jesus continued to speak more parables and at one point He asked, “Have you understood all these things?” They said to Him, “Yes Lord” (Mt 13:51). Obviously they were growing in understanding. In the beginning we may find it hard, but as we practice, we will grow (1 Cor 13:11). That’s how Jesus “grew” in wisdom. He was “listening to the teachers in the temple.” He did not stop with that. When something was not clear, He asked them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His “understanding” (Lk 2:46,47)
Asking questions is not foolishness. It is the pathway to wisdom. We should never be too tired to go to someone to clear our doubts. The disciples at times were afraid. Jesus told His disciples, “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men. But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they were afraid to ask Him about this saying” (Lk 9:44,45; Jn 12:16). If only they had taken courage to ask, the future happenings would have been easier for them and the following ugly dispute would not have ensued. We lack intimacy with our Master because we do not bother to understand what we do not understand. We are not prepared to pay the price and so we settle for a less demanding level of Bible study. Even Daniel the wise buried his ego to ask what he didn’t understand (Dan 7:16). The Ethiopian minister accepted that he was reading the Scriptures without understanding and requested help. That unlocked experiences for him (Acts 8:30,31).
Open your Bible as if it were a treasure chest. When your memory builds up, passages will start clicking at a rapid pace. When we make an honest attempt God opens our understanding that we may comprehend the Scriptures (Lk 24:45). Prayer opens the eyes of our understanding and kindles a fire in our hearts (Eph 1:17,18; 2 Tim 2:7).
There is another important factor in understanding—a burning desire to obey God’s Word, whatever it may cost. David not only prayed, “Teach me to do Your will” but also sang, “I delight to do Your will, O my God” (Psa 143:10; 40:8). Our practice lags behind preaching. Jesus told the Jews, “Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My Word” (Jn 8:43). He said if anyone “wants” to do His will, he shall “know” (Jn 7:17). The Jews did not want to believe or obey Ezekiel’s prophecy. Therefore eventhough it was plain to understand they said, “He speaks in parables” (Ezek 20:49). God listens well, but doesn’t talk much—unless He knows you are a good listener.
We do not understand the Scriptures because we don’t want to understand, because we know the cost of obedience. Let us not be like the gullible women “loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim 3:7); but be absolutely committed to following the Word of God, whatever it costs, wherever it leads. “Thus says the Lord God: he who hears, let him hear; and he who refuses, let him refuse; for they are a rebellious house” (Ezek 3:27). Noah kept shouting at the top of his lungs but people did not stop to understand until the flood came and took them all away (Mt 24:39). When the floods came, suddenly they understood everything—but it was too late! Let us not be taken by such a crude end.
Many have the ossified habit of speeding through the Bible on a bike without brakes, once every year. It’s sacrificing depth for area. It is the matter that matters. Do not rush through the Bible. God made time but man made haste. The sheer beauty of some passages may hold you. And then a phrase or a verse would suddenly leap up and electrify you and make you feel the presence of the great One. When you get such tantalizing glimpses, delve in there. Meditate every word, every sentence, every verse, every chapter, every book and unravel the truths.
View every word through a telescope, then a microscope. Slowing down makes your journey through the Scriptures less of a blur and helps you focus. So read without a deadline. When people understand and obey the Word of God, revival shall not tarry.
Try the following schedule to stimulate your grey matter which is by and large helping me to understand the Bible. Start writing down in a notebook or diary. You have 66 books to study. Begin with the one chapter books so that you experience the joy of completing a book early. Then go on to two chapter books and then bigger ones. Study each chapter the following way.
1. Read the entire chapter repeatedly, grasp the contents and give an appropriate title. For example, ‘Jesus better than Angels’ may be a fitting title for Hebrews chapter one.
2. Write as many questions and answers from the chapter and learn them.
3. Explain each conjunction. For example: “Therefore by Him let us continuously offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Heb 13:15). Explain the “therefore.” Why should we be continuously praising and thanking God? Because, this world is not our permanent residence. We are waiting for a new city, the heavenly Jerusalem.
4. Note down the important topics touched upon in that chapter—like hell, judgement, patience, etc.
5. Write down the repetition of words, phrases, and sentences with reference and see if there is any connection between them.
For example in the Book of Hebrews chapter 9 the word “conscience” is connected (vv 9,14). It becomes easy to understand that offerings and sacrifices cannot perfect one’s conscience but only the blood of Christ can. Again in chapter 10, verse 35, “Therefore do not cast away your confidence which has great reward.” What is this confidence or boldness ? It is in verse 19. It is the boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus. Writing down the opposites also enlightens.
6. Write down all that is written about the Father, Christ and the Holy Spirit. Practice the use of these to worship God.
7. Write down the message of the chapter in 2 to 5 sentences.
8. Try to discover the theme of the entire book, in the chapter you are working on. It may not be clear in the first few chapters. But as you proceed the theme will become more pronounced. When you study the Book of Hebrews it will become clear that the author writes about “perfection.” Once you discover the theme, all the difficult passages will click into place. Having the theme in mind if we read the Book again a new understanding will emerge.
9. Memorize any golden verse.
10. Note down doubts and your discoveries.
11. Answer the question, “How does God want me to change?”
12. Write down your decisions.
Tick the Book you completed, in your Bible index.
Last of all you may use Bible Commentaries, Study Bibles, Bible Dictionaries, maps, etc., to enhance your knowledge. Especially read the introduction to the book. You can start a Bible Reading Club with one or more of your friends. You can work at home and come together once a week or fortnight to share your testimonies and clarify doubts. Group discipline is easier to maintain. You can celebrate the completion of each book and also decade, silver and golden jubilees as you finish more books. The reward is winsome. As the year draws to a close you’ll find yourself with added acquity, ingenuity and resourcefulness!
“The wise shall understand” (Dan 12:10).
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, Mob:8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
