Misconceptions

Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror,

but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. 

All that I know now is partial and incomplete, 

but then I will know everything completely,

just as God now knows me completely.

1 Cor 13:12 (NLT)

I've been thinking what a wonderful thing it must have been for the disciples and friends of Jesus to be in his actual physical presence, to see his expressions and to hear his voice and to walk with him.  Yet, even though they were in his presence, it didn’t guarantee knowledge.  In many ways they still did not understand him.  They still had their own areas of blindness and weakness just as we have, conditioned and determined by their personality, culture and upbringing. 

Jesus had to correct their misconceptions so many times.  Peter’s strong personality often expressed itself in prideful arrogance to the point that he actually corrected Jesus (Mt. 16:22,23) and declared himself strong enough to even die with Christ. (Mt. 26:35)  The truth was exposed (as it usually is) under pressure when he swore three times that he did not even know the man.  At that moment, Jesus looked at him and the truth of who Peter really was became evident.  (Luke 22:54-62)  Later, when Peter begins his ministry, God has to confront his cultural and religious prejudice.  (Acts 10 & 11)  

Under the influence of their ambitious mother, the disciples, James and John, came asking for the right to sit on thrones at the side of Jesus.  They foolishly said that they were able to pay the price of sorrow involved in such an honor.  Again, Jesus patiently confronts their misconceptions, stating that even he has no right to honor such a request.  (Mt. 20:20-28) 

Love cannot coexist with error.  Love has to see plainly and clearly what is really going on. Our ability to love can be seriously hindered by our personalities, our cultural assumptions or our family upbringing.  Jesus confronts each one of these areas as he lovingly and gently, with depth of understanding, works throughout our lives to dislodge falsehoods and to lead us into the truth that will set us free.

Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness,

but rejoices with the truth. 

1 Cor 13.6 NASB

Light

The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. 

And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, 

a light has shined.”

Matt 4:16 (NLT)

Moses prayed:  If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor.   Ex. 33.13 

Solomon prayed:  Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” 1 Kings 3.9

The recent sex abuse scandal at Penn State University clearly demonstrates the devastation caused by individual moral failure.  The consequences of violating God’s system of morality are far reaching, damaging our own souls and hurting those in our circle of influence.  Whatever is done in secret will one day be exposed by light.

If we jump off a building, we will fall to the ground and get hurt even if we do not believe in the law of gravity.  So it is with God’s moral laws.  Even if we do not accept or understand or are ignorant of God’s laws, we will still suffer the consequences if we disobey them.  His laws are woven into the fabric of the universe. 

Our minds can be so dark and confused.  We can excuse our bad behavior in so many ways if we think it is to our benefit.  The leaders of Israel knew they needed God's help so they asked for understanding to discern good from evil so they could govern wisely.  We, too, need to pray that God would enlighten our minds to see and understand what is really going on.  It takes God given wisdom and courage to know what to do when we discover evil in ourselves or others.  

Lord, grant us understanding hearts.  If our minds are in darkness, send your light to shine on them so that we can discern right from wrong and have the power to stand up against evil where ever we find it.

Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. 

  Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. 

Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,

and you will gain knowledge of God.

For the Lord grants wisdom!

From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.

He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.

He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.
  Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair,

and you will find the right way to go.

For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.

Wise choices will watch over you.

Understanding will keep you safe.

Wisdom will save you from evil people,

from those whose words are twisted.

These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths.

They take pleasure in doing wrong, and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil.

Their actions are crooked, and their ways are wrong. 

  Prov 2:3-15 (NLT)

  

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,

the one who gains understanding.

For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.

  Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left.

  She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying.

Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;

happy are those who hold her tightly.

Prov 3:13-18 (NLT)