The Holy Spirit illuminates the text
It happened again a few days ago. I was reading about Jesus ‘ death and resurrection. A passage hit me as if I had never read it before, although I know I had done so many times
Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.1 Corinthians 15:7 ESV
It’s almost a throwaway line. Jesus appeared to James. So what? Jesus’ family thought that he was crazy, not the Messiah.
Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” Mark 3:20-21 ESV
So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” For not even his brothers believed in him. John 7:3-5 ESV
While it may not have been the only factor, we know Jesus appeared to James, and James went on to become the first bishop/pastor of the church in Jerusalem. That’s a radical change in direction.
Historical sources record that James was martyred for his faith about 62 AD. This was no casual professor of faith. He went from nonbeliever to pastor to martyr.
So much is hidden in a simple sentence that it’s easy to skip over.
Every Word of the Bible is inspired by God. Translations may differ slightly, but the original documents are without error. We now know, with better than 99.9% accuracy, what the originals said.
Nothing appears in the Word by mistake. We might not appreciate its significance, but it’s there for a reason.
The more we read, study and listen to good teaching, the more we know. Read the Word.
Be blessed
Kevin
SUMMARY
A passage I’ve read many times can suddenly become clear when the Spirit illuminates it. Every word in Scripture is there for a reason, so read the Word.
TAKEAWAY
A passage we’ve read many times can be illuminated by the Spirit. When it is, we I’m always amazed when a section I’ve read many times is illuminated by the Spirit. I see something much more clearly.
So much is hidden in a simple sentence that it’s easy to skip over. Jesus appeared to James, and James went from nonbeliever to pastor to martyr.
Nothing appears in the Word by mistake, even when we don’t appreciate its significance. Read the Word.
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