Apr 9

John 16:7-16
Memorise Ephesians 1:17-19
“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened…”

The answer to the title of today’s reading is described by 2 words, ‘supernatural’ and ‘illumination’. Yes, through the inner workings of the Holy Spirit, we who were once blind now have been given spiritual eyes that see. This affects us in every way; our value system, outlook on life, daily conduct, way of thinking and of course, the way we approach and handle the Word of God.

How exactly does the Holy Spirit “guide [us] into all truth”? It is not something magical or mystical, though it is indeed supernatural. Whenever a truly born-again believer approaches the Word of God, with a prayerful and humble attitude, the Holy Spirit would simply grant understanding – not just an intellectual knowledge, but a spiritual appreciation of and assent to the Word. The words of Scripture would come to life, even as the believer recalls his past experiences and also other passages of Scripture that the Holy Spirit would bring to remembrance. As he continues to meditate on every word of Scripture, he would deepen in his understanding of God and His will and His way, and his life would go through a continual process of sanctification. As John 16:13 goes on to say, “whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak” – the words that the Spirit speaks in our hearts are the very words of God.

The Gospel is the most fundamental truth as proclaimed by God’s Word, and yet, it is not the mere intellectual knowledge of the Gospel but genuine faith and belief in it that saves. If even our faith is given to us by God through the Holy Spirit which enables us to accept this basic truth, then it reasonably follows that it is through the Holy Spirit operating within us in the manner described above that helps us to discern all other spiritual truths. This is why we should always pray for the Holy Spirit to help us understand before and after reading God’s Word.

Thought: Illumination isn’t just having a correct understanding of God’s Word but must also result in an inner transformation of the interpreter.
Prayer: Teach me, O Lord, to not just agree with Thy Word but also to be transformed anew by it.