Two Difficult Scriptures
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Herein you will read of two "difficult" scriptures of Jesus' teachings or examples we should follow; and one scripture from St. Paul that can be called "difficult". In coming to take the Resurrection of Jesus as a true vindication of all Jesus did, say, and teach through his example, we have to come to terms with what we read in the scriptures and do not totally understand. In not understanding scriptures we read, we must then seek to understand! Then in coming to understand, we gain wisdom.Our lack of understanding is often in the lack of meaning of the English words translated from the original ancient Greek or as in the OT- Hebrew. To seek meaning, find commentaries, books, explore explanations found on the internet, but seek the meaning, and you will find inspiration to better know the scriptures. Through the study of several commentaries, when we come to understand the original meaning of the translated Greek word and thus, we better know what the English translation is truly saying.
It truly can be a heavenly moment or just a good old "Ah-haaaa!"
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In Paul's epistle, verse 18 of 1st Thessalonians we find the verses translated well, but still on first reading we most likely fail in seeing the true meaning of what he says. It requires thought to get the real meaning of "in all circumstances". If you do not see the real meaning of these words, be patient, think. This is one of those times that after you read what the words really say you will want to kick yourself for not realizing its real meaning before peaking at the answer.
1st Thessolonians 5:17-18
17 pray continually;
18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Giving thanks in all circumstances is truly, on the surface difficult. But in the writing below, it is explained what God wants us to really do. Have you figured it out yet? No commentary needed for this one. Just some goood thinking skills.
Far too often we want to solve our problems and then persist in our misery thinking less of ourselves if we give up trying. But, sometimes we need to determine we just need to persevere in giving up to God, Praying, "Not my will, but yours be done."
This was prayed by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus gives us the example verified by His resurrection to follow not only what he did, but how he lived and how he prayed. When He prayed this, He knew he was facing the most important moment in the history of man, His death by crucifixion.
In following Jesus' command, "Seek the Kingdom..." we can do no less in our times of trials. In my lowest moment in Vietnam, in this petition of my prayer, Vietnam became the most important moment of my history.
Let your trials become a testimony by breathing in the Holy Spirit.
Until just a few years ago, I did not like this scripture and I considered it to say we were to be as a door mat; Plus, it just did not seem to go with how Jesus lived his life. Oh, he was meek and mild mannered most of the time, but a few times, at the end of his ministry, he was like a hungry cat ready to shred. Just read Matthew 23, where he went after the "Pharisees and teachers of the law" like a father taking an errant child to the woodshed.
But when I read the Biblical meaning behind the words, they became something truly to live up to. We have to remember that it was in Jesus' Resurrection that all He said, all He did, and everything about Him was truly and absolutely vindicated.
In this writing, the meaning of this scripture is discussed so that you can realize it is for your life to be truly humble.... even in your boldness to further His Kingdom.
Until just a few years ago, I did not like this scripture and I considered it to say we were to be as a door mat; Plus, it just did not seem to go with how Jesus lived his life. Oh, he was meek and mild mannered most of the time, but a few times, at the end of his ministry, he was like a hungry cat ready to shred. Just read Matthew 23, where he went after the "Pharisees and teachers of the law" like a father taking an errant child to the woodshed.
But when I read the Biblical meaning behind the words, they became something truly to live up to. We have to remember that it was in Jesus' Resurrection that all He said, all He did, and everything about Him was truly and absolutely vindicated.
In this writing, the meaning of this scripture is discussed so that you can realize it is for your life to be truly humble.... even in your boldness to further His Kingdom.
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