Friday, February 24, 2017

Faith Leads to Understanding

Have you ever watched the children's movie, Polar Express? For years it has been one of my family's favorite fun Christmas films. For awhile, it became an annual tradition to watch it. A theme throughout the movie is belief in Santa, and the characters in the movie couldn't hear his sleigh bells ring until they first believed in him.


A few weeks back, I read in Mark 4 about Jesus explaining His parables to His disciples. It reads, “With many such parables He spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to His own disciples He explained everything.” (ESV)

Today, in Luke 8, following Jesus' parable of the Sower, I read a sort of continuation to this. “And when His disciples asked Him what this parable meant, He said, 'To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that “seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.” ' " (ESV)

I found some very interesting insight into this and I thought you might find it fascinating as well. In the Mark 4 passage, where it refers to “He spoke the word to them,” it is saying that Jesus taught the multitudes in parables. Who are the multitudes in Jesus' day? Unbelievers. Who are the multitudes in today's world? Unbelievers. Who are His disciples to whom Jesus explained His parables? Christians. Non-Christians will not be able to understand the full meaning of God's words as written in the Bible. Only the Christians who take the time to ask God and listen for His answers will be given true knowledge. Faith leads to knowledge and comprehension of the truth that is otherwise unable to be attained. By faith the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in believers and it is of Him that Jesus says, ". . . it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you. . . . When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth . . ." (ESV)

As my family and I were discussing this, we came up with another level to it. What is a name of Jesus? The Word. Just as non-Christians cannot understand the Bible—God's Words—until they believe, neither can they understand the Word, Jesus. When non-Christians have so many questions concerning things in the Bible, and Christians try to explain them, with this knowledge it makes much more sense that the unbelievers cannot understand it and tend to keep pressing the same issues. It is impossible for them to comprehend these things until they first believe.

I keep thinking about the bell in Polar Express. They couldn't hear it ring until they first believed.

14 comments:

  1. Interesting thoughts Bethany! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. You're welcome! I'm glad that you enjoyed reading. Just out of curiosity, how did you find my blog? Do you have one that I could follow? Thanks for following mine!

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    2. I found your blog through a comment you left on Jesseca's--A Kansas Wind.
      And yes, I do have one of my own.
      http://arnicaanonymous.blogspot.com/

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    3. I like your blog a lot! You had a great idea in starting it. And I'm glad that you found mine. :)

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  2. I loved and still love Polar Express!!!
    -Gray Marie
    graymariewrites.blogspot.com

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  3. Great thoughts! The Polar Express is a great movie!

    Random question: Do you like salted caramel hot chocolate? I noticed your blog name... And I absolutely love salted caramel hot chocolate! =D

    New follower. =)

    Micaiah
    www.notebooksandnovels.com

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    1. First off, you should be aware that I adore random questions! :) Secondly, yes, I do love any kind of chocolate! Except white chocolate. :(

      I'm so happy that you found my blog and like it enough to follow. My followers are who keep me writing.

      And just because I enjoy finding out how my readers found my blog, how did you? Your blog looks lovely!

      Welcome to A Great God and Good Cocoa, Micaiah!

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  4. Wonderful post, Bethany! Loved getting your insight and I agree wholeheartedly. :)

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    1. I'm glad that you appreciated the post, Faith! Thanks for being such a faithful reader too! :)

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  5. Wow! This is a beautiful post! I've always struggled to fully comprehend those words, and your analogy of the Polar Express is wonderful. Thank you for this!

    (I love the Polar Express. I NEED TO WATCH IT AGAIN)

    <3

    audrey caylin

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    1. I'm glad that my post helped you to understand this better! And it's so cool to find all these people who enjoy the Polar Express as much as I do!

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  6. I love the Polar Express too! And peppermint hot chocolate.
    This post is very insightful. I found it very intriguing and helpful in understanding those passages. Love your blog! :-)
    Natalie

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    1. Thanks so much for your feedback! It means a lot! I'm so happy that you like it. :)

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Blessings,
Bethany R.