“The opening of your words gives light” (Ps 119:130, BBE)
One of the most exciting things that the Holy Spirit reveals to you when the scales fall from your eyes is how to read the Word of God. We saw this in yesterday’s teaching; the Old Testament book of Isaiah was a closed book, as such, to the African eunuch until the Holy Spirit allowed him to understand it through Philip’s explanation.
A similar thing happened with the men on their way to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). As followers of Jesus they were deeply upset by the strange events that had happened and they were discussing these events with each other, even while Jesus was walking with them. When He asked them about their dismay, they asked Him, ironically, if He was a stranger in Jerusalem since He didn’t know what had happened! He must’ve smiled to Himself. We are often so busy talking about Him, that we don’t recognise Him in a situation. But their spiritual eyes were also clearly not open. And He began laying out all the Scriptures, from the time of Moses and all the prophets, which were pointing to Him. Later, when He was dining with them, He took the bread and wine, broke the bread and gave it to them and their eyes were opened; and they recognised Him. It was only when Jesus broke the bread Himself that their spiritual eyes could be opened.
Paul gives the following explanation: “For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies in their heart. Nevertheless, when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” (2 Kor 3:14-16).
Even Jesus’ own disciples needed “enlightened eyes” (Eph 1:18). After His resurrection He said to them: “‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which are written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.’ And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.”(Luke 24:44-45). Everything in the Old Testament points to Jesus. Go and look for Him!
- Sela: Pray about Eph 1:18-21 and try to determine what happens when your eyes of understanding are enlightened. Ascertain if those three specified aspects are part of your life.
- Read: Gen 23: Ps 23; 1 John 2
- Memorise: Ps 23
