Hidden Treasure

How many times have you heard a person complain that the Bible is hard to understand? Maybe that person was even you. Well, you could be right. It's one of those instances where two things are true at once -- the gospel is simple AND scripture can be complicated.

Here's what you need to know: God does not hide the meaning of His Word from His people; He hides it FOR His people!

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When writing Disarming Deadly Doctrines (available on this website , MyStore and Amazon), I said, "Lord, I know what this passage about the man born blind SOUNDS like it means, and what we've all been taught that it means, but that just doesn't match up with what I know your nature and character to be. I need You to explain it to me."

Instantly, He replied, "Just read Jesus' words and ignore everyone else." In my imagination I saw the disciples gathered in a half-circle around Jesus and the blind man, in front of a row of shop stalls, throwing questions out, pointing fingers, gesticulating, arguing. I hit the mute button on the comments printed in black and focused on the words printed in red. There it was -- truth that defied what I'd been taught all my life. I was thrilled to share that new insight with the book's readers.

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Simply looking up a word in the original language in Blue Letter Bible's interlinear concordance on your phone can be revelatory. I know of a woman who'd written and led Bible studies for half a century, who God told to look up the word 'lo.' She gained deep understanding to share with others from that tiny, insignificant-looking word.

Deep meanings are found in the names, both of people and places, in Biblical accounts. The numbers mentioned in scripture can open a new level of understanding. Even the chapter and verse numerals can sometimes be important. Looking up the relative locations of cities and regions in the maps section of your Bible can give you new perspectives.

Then there are the words most Christians don't understand -- complicated words such as ALL, NONE and WHOSOEVER! I'll just share these tips for now: YOU are a 'whosoever,' and the Greek word translated as 'all,' means ALL.

The Holy Spirit inside us helps us to understand the Word, when we're listening.

 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds

of them which believe not... - 2 Cor 4:3-4

He, Holy Spirit, explains the layers of meaning in ways we can understand. Sometimes, we cannot even verbalize the deep truth but only know it in our spirit. I'm sure you've heard the description of layers of an onion, and He peels them back for us.

The secret to understanding scripture? Here are three.

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the things of God to you.

2. Define the Bible by the Bible -- look up previous use of words to find out the Biblical definitions. Many definitions evolved over the years, and there have been many years since King James' reign.

3. Slow down -- read and understand each word, especially for verses you've known for years and assume you understand. You'll be amazed. Some verses say the opposite of what we've been taught for decades!

So let's take the extra time to do more than just a cursory reading of God's Word. He's worthy, and His Word is worthy. Remember, He exalted His Word even over His name! It's hidden treasure, right there for the mining.

Oh, you are in for some wonderful surprises!

It is the glory of God to conceal a thing,

but the honor of kings to search out a matter.

- Proverbs 25:2

Kemala