Think of driving along in a blinding snowstorm, or in a torrential downpour. The wise driver would hopefully--before taking the trip--make sure their headlights were in proper working order.
When one reflects upon the Bible, it is crucial that one’s spiritual ‘lights’ are also checked, otherwise, they miss the full beauty and instruction of God’s Word.
The Apostle Paul understood this. Towards the end of his Epistle to the Christians who were living in Rome, Paul expressed his thanks to many named--and unnamed--believers who made a difference in his life and ministry. Romans, Chapter 16 puts forth ‘the roll’ of believers whom Paul cited refreshed him, helped him, and inspired him.
A Christian couple--Priscilla and Aquila--who had been cited by Paul in other places of the New Testament, are mentioned in this chapter. No doubt he enjoyed the commitment of this couple, as their household carried much of the fragrance and joy of the Christian faith.
Romans 16 carries quite a list of individuals who had their ‘lights on’ as they continued their service as Christians. The important thing to take away from this chapter? A firm understanding that one must possess Christ before they can fully understand God’s Word.
The Holy Spirit must ‘turn on one’s spiritual lights’ before the joys and the hazards of the Bible and the Christian life are fully comprehended. Without such an investment in illumination, one’s complaints about the Bible are without merit and little more than a spitball against the side of a battleship. The hammer will always wear out before the anvil.
Are your lights really on, when it comes to understanding the full, true contents of the Word of God? Before you complain, it makes sense to check your own connections.
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