An Open Mind

Scripture:
Luke 24:45, “Then He opened their minds to understand the scriptures.”

Observation:
Jesus opened the minds of the overwhelmed disciples. They had been in intellectual and emotional overload for a period of days. The whole arrest and crucifixion ordeal was enough. But now reports rolled in from the women and a couple of men that Jesus was alive. Finally Christ appeared in their midst and showed them his hands and feet and he ate some fish with them to show them it was really Him. I am sure they were filled with all kinds of emotions and thoughts in that moment. But Jesus opened their minds to understand that His death, burial, and resurrection had been part of God’s plan from long ago — God was redeeming the world through Jesus. If He opened their minds to understand the scripture, that means for a while their minds were closed. They didn’t get it. They couldn’t understand. But at the right time and without a word, Jesus turned the lights on in their minds and they finally could see the power and plan of God revealed in the scripture. They understood the wisdom of God in putting a plan in motion that would provide forgiveness to the nations.

Application:
I need Jesus to open my mind to understand the scriptures too. Like the disciples, I’ve read and heard way more of the Bible than I understand and get. If I’m ever going to really understand what God says and know what He is doing, I must have Christ open my mind to understand. I want to see the truth and know God’s purpose and plans. I know they are revealed in the scripture. But I know I can’t get it by myself. I need help to truly hear what God is saying.

Prayer:
Father, I ask You to open my mind to Your truth. I don’t want to know just the elementary teachings of the Bible, I want to know the deeper purposes and plans You have. I want to know You intimately. Father, I ask You to help me. When I open the Bible, would you open my mind? Give me eyes to see and ears to hear. In seeing the words, let me see You. Lord, I pray that I would not seek truth and understanding just for the sake of knowledge. Please grant me wisdom to live out Your truth. Grant me capacity to share Your truth with others. God, transform my life by opening and renewing my mind.

— Chip Henderson, senior pastor