Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Reading (01/25/07)
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TITLE: Reading What I Wrote | Previous Challenge Entry
By Kathy Alvarez
01/30/07 -
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When I was in college I wrote a poem that was printed in the college newsletter. I received many wonderful responses to it, but what I noticed was that no one received it with the same meaning that I wrote it. It was meaningful to them, but within the context of their own thoughts and experiences. For them to know what I was expressing they would have to know me, my inner thoughts, my heart, my spirit.
The Bible is Divinely inspired. However, through the years it has gone through many translations, it's meanings interpreted by many. We are far removed from the original languages and cultural contexts within which those who wrote it lived. Biblical scholars who have been gifted with the ability and insight to go back to the origin and then share this knowledge with us are a a blessing from God. However, even with this knowledge, without knowing His Spirit, we will still be 'listening' through our own thoughts and experiences.
Jesus said, "You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You diligently study the Scriptures because you think by them you posssess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life." (John 5:37b-40 NIV)
In certain human relationships it is important to me that the other person knows what I'm saying. This frustration has taught me to listen to others more rather than let my own thoughts get in the way. It has also taught me to be more open about who I am which enables them to better listen to me.
God knows who I am better than I know myself. I can read the Bible diligently, yet until I put aside my own thoughts, am open to knowing who He is, His Spirit, I'm not listening to him.
How often has God felt that frustration that I felt with that one poem..."You're not reading what I wrote...you're not listening to me."
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