12.27.24 ~ From Darkness to Light; Chaos to Order
Good morning!
During this Hanukkah season, now the 3rd day, I'm keeping an 8 day focus on one of the great themes of this winter celebration of dedication: Light; a topic my mind is consumed with all year long (Psa. 27:1; 36:9; Isa. 9:2; 42:6; 49:6; 60:1, 19; Mic. 7:8; 2 Cor. 4:6; Jn. 1:5; 1 Jn. 1:5; Phil. 2:15; Matt. 5:14-16; etc.). I think we all want to be enlightened, yet without the Word of God entering into our simple eyes, simple ears and an open heart, life produces a whole lot of stumbling in the dark (Yesterday's study).
"the entrance/petah of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple/peti" (Psa. 119:130)
As I look at this verse, I ask myself, 'what does it take to be simple and how does His Word enter? So many questions and all with a simple/peti answer. At times,however it sure doesn't feel simple (Heb. 5:12,13)! When we stop to examine the text, grammar, culture, context, doctrines, idioms, and perspectives, it seems to make this book we call the Bible, far from the grasp of a simple/peti person.
There are times when it doesn't seem possible! Maybe it's more than a simple answer. When I understand that simple/peti is about being open, ready to receive whatever comes my way, I might see things differently.
It's true that the simple/peti, is open to every wind of doctrine and easily influenced and enticed to the latest trend within their relational circle. Like so many, we are naive and immature in certain areas; believing everything...not always the best quality to have (Prov. 1:4, 22, 32; 7:7; 8:5; 9:4,6,16; 14:15; etc.). But at the same time, this person who is easily influenced can be easily influenced if the right information is presented in truth and love (2 Tim. 2:15).
Unfortunately, too many of us are easily influenced through the corrupt media, twitter, FB, etc., based on whoever has the best attention grabbing market scheme. Yet, to me, this is absolutely wonderful...it covertly reveals within the person the hunger and search for life transforming information.
Today, we don't lack information or have a problem with resisting information. We just have an abundance of ignorance. The challenge with many, especially here in America, is that they, the simple/peti, are not given the opportunity for God's Word to enter/petah. They don’t know the majesty of God’s instruction; His Torah. It’s always possible that they will wake up and learn. If we can expose such a person to the truth, there’s nothing standing in the way of receiving it.
Many today, including myself, in too many areas choose an enticing and immature way of life; choosing darkness without knowing or considering the path we're on. They aren't concerned with seeking the truth, and as a result, they are easily led astray.
Is it possible to get them off the broad way onto the narrow path (Matt. 7:13,14)? For the foolish/ewil who openly resists by choosing the opposite...it's not looking good at the moment. For him it is not a matter of ignorance. It’s a matter of self-will. And for those who are further down the road, like Abigail's husband Nabal, they not only resist God’s ways but encourage others to do the same...it's really not looking good for this person.
God's Word has the power to attract those who are open/peti. They can easily move from darkness to light (2 Cor. 4:6) and from chaos to order by receiving the Word (Gen. 1:2-4). Maybe it's possible to be intellectual and simple at the same time. That is, if the Bible is more than winning "Trivia Pursuit: Bible Edition" :-). Scripture is never about information, it's always about transformation of our behavior (Rom. 8:29).
Happy Erev Shabbat and Shabbat Shalom!
Comments
Post a Comment