Jesus Opens Minds

Daily Prayer for Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Scripture. Luke 24:44-45

44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 

Have you noticed how much energy it takes to learn something new?  Sometimes we think that physical work is the most strenuous.  Physical labor is hard work!  But, so also is mental work!  You can tell this by how much human beings AVOID having to think!  Thinking about new places, relationships, skills and ideas are routinely avoided because mentally they are hard work. As we age, it seems this becomes more true.

Children have an abundance of energy.  They often can’t sit still! Kids jump up and down even while just waiting in line.  They enjoy moving!  This also is evident in their busy minds.  Children are often the most curious and find learning new things to be a game!  They have plenty of energy.

So, what about learning new things spiritually?  Could a person ever be too old and too tired to learn new spiritual things?  The answer is yes!  In fact, the answer is that there isn’t a person alive, young or old, who has the energy to understand the infinite Love of God.  But due to the infinite Love of God, we are not left on our own.  God helps us.

The Holy Spirit grants us His strength and opens our minds through the Holy Scriptures.  What does that mean? An open mind is more than just knowing the words and content of the various passages.  God give His people UNDERSTANDING.  

From the gift of understanding we come to know that God is Love, that He sent His Son Jesus into the world.  We understand that Jesus died on the cross to pay the debt of our sin.  We believe the news that Jesus rose from the dead, victorious over our sin and death.  We joyfully anticipate the fact that as Jesus is risen from the dead, so shall we rise to live with Him on the last day.  In other words, through the means of the Holy Scriptures, we understand and believe with all our hearts that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior.  Alleluia!

God gives us the understanding of all these events, and shows us that they were in place from the very beginning.  Our future is the fulfillment of His faithful love in the past.  This is our supreme comfort in all the challenges and changes of any age in which we live.

LET US PRAY

I thank you Lord God for your faithful love in caring for me from the very beginning.  O Holy Spirit, grant me your strength to daily grow in faith and understanding through the Holy Scriptures.  I pray especially for all pastors today.  Help them as they prepare to teach your Word and share your Gospel.  I ask this in your Name.  AMEN