Try to Understand

Text: Hebrews 5

Theme: You can’t handle the truth.

Key verses: “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!” (v. 11-12).

What God said to me: Dwayne, I love you enough to tell you you aren’t ready to write about the first part of this chapter yet. You haven’t done your homework. You haven’t yet tried to understand. Thus, I echo the author in saying there is much to see and learn about Jesus as your high priest. There is much I want to show you and teach you, but you have to make time to dig into my scriptures, to meditate on what the writer of Hebrews said here. Study to show yourself approved, Dwayne, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. As of now, you honestly can’t handle the truth. Yes, my Spirit will illumine your mind and give you understanding; however, you must also try to understand. You must give your full attention and focus to this passage. You must allow ample time. Don’t rush through these verses–or any verses, for that matter. My Word is precious and inspired. It is useful to teach you what is true and to make you realize what is wrong in your life. It can correct you when you are wrong and teach you to do what is right. This is my word for you today: Let the message of Christ dwell in you richly. Then you will be able to share it boldly among my children, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

What I said to God: Holy Lord, You’ve read my mail again. You saw how focused I’ve been all morning on work and on horizontal human strivings. I’ve been up since 4:00am composing emails and Facebook messages, all in the name of ministry. What I haven’t done and what I’ve put off until much later this morning is time alone in Your Word and in prayer. You are my Source. You are the first One I should come to with my needs and with needs for our ministry. Rather than asking everyone else for help, I should first come to You and seek Your counsel and provisions. I should prioritize meditating on Your Word, for only then will I be like a tree planted by rivers of water. Only then can the leaves of my life not wither and whatever I do prosper. Forgive me, awesome God, merciful and mighty, for not seeking first the Kingdom of God and Your righteousness today. Thank You for correcting me and for growing me through Your Word. Please help me listen and obey.