After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— to those who were disobedient long ago …
Summary: God’s Word is written from God’s perspective and knowledge base. There are times that the Spirit helps us understand and times we are just meant to wonder and marvel.
Does today’s passage make sense to you? Do you feel strongly about its meaning or do you find it confusing?
In the days when Jesus was preaching on earth, he didn’t speak like an engineer or a politician. He didn’t come across as a salesman with something to sell or a preacher who was being preachy. At times he seems to speak in riddles. The only people who thought Jesus was blunt were the Pharisees and the occasional teacher of the law.
Jesus’ style was unique. He wanted people to think for themselves and what he said made them think. It is easy for me to imagine that wherever Jesus had been, the people he left behind would be talking about his teachings for a long time.
Before he ascended into heaven, Jesus promised that he would send his Holy Spirit. This Spirit would help the disciples remember everything correctly. (John 15:26) That is one of the reasons that we can trust that the Bible is written the way God wants it written. Even a sentence like today’s verse.
One thing this passage does for me is to put me in my place. As much as I like to read the Bible and write about it, there are many things I do not know, and many more that I do not understand. I try and be careful about what I say because I don’t like being wrong. So sometimes, it is best to admit that I don’t know.
I wish more people would do that…
As I reflect on my faith journey, there are reasons that I have been such a wanderer. So many people claim to have all the answers. They have worked out “systems” of religion, sets of rules, and intellectual structures that explain “God’s plan.” The problem is that if a religious system doesn’t explain everything, then the “everything” it doesn’t explain is going to bite it.
Earlier, in chapter two, Peter talked about a certain stone: “’ A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.’ They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.” (1 Peter 2: 8)
In this case, God’s Word is the rock that makes people stumble. Today’s verse, for me, is such a rock. If you don’t mind, I think I will just admire it instead of smashing my toe.
Application: When we approach God’s Word, it is good to come with an open mind and a humble heart.
Food for Thought: How important is it for all Christians to understand and agree on this passage? Why?
How important is it for all Christians to understand and agree on this passage? Why?
As I began my Christian walk, this tripped me up….A LOT. People would read a passage and explain what it meant and I would be lost because that wasn’t what I got out of it. It took me quite a long time to understand that we aren’t all going to understand and agree on a passage the same way because the passage may speak to each of us differently.
I believe we can agree on the setting of the passage, what was going on, what the person was conveying to the audience, that it’s God’s Word, etc., but I think, at least for me, it’s difficult to understand and agree that a passage means the same me as to those around me. In one season, I might understand the passage in one context, but then a season or two later, it might take on a new understanding for me. (Heck, I might not even be understanding/answering today’s food for thought correctly right now because I understood it in a different way than another person might understand it.)
Bottom line for me – as I approach God’s word with an open heart, and depending on the season I am in, His word and the message takes on personal meaning to me that I’m not sure another person would have the same understanding so I don’t think it is important that we all agree on an understanding of a passage. (I do, however, think it’s important as followers of Christ, that we all believe the Bible is God’s word, no other books come above His word, etc.)
Hi Darla,
I think you did a great job answering today’s question! You capture the essence of the Living Word. God’s Spirit leads us in understanding how to apply it to our lives in different seasons. That doesn’t mean the message of the Gospel changes. It means that as our personal situation changes, God’s Word is always relevant.
Thank you!
From what I understand is,..Christ conquered death and He descended to proclaim the fact that He lives,..because one day every knee will bow, on earth, in heaven and below earth,..so really there is no excuse for not knowing just who Jesus is,..
That’s my take on it anyway,..as Darla mentioned,..everyone has their own way of understanding context,..
Thank you, John!
As you point out, the Gospel message does not change, and yes, context is very important. Today’s passage can be looked at several ways depending on how one reads the context. That said, the most important thing in the Body of Christ is unity in Christ. (John 17: 20-26)
How important is it for all Christians to understand and agree on this passage? Why?
The entire Bible is important to God because His truths have been preserved for our salvation, growth and ministry.
However, believers are not given their complete playbook at the time of salvation or upon being baptized or joining a church. In reality, the rest of the believer’s life is a process of discovering and doing the will of God as He progressively reveals His plan for each of us.
Today I know understand many parts of God’s word that I did not understand years ago. This year I am studying Genesis for the third time. I am already learning truths I had not seen the first two times.
We remain on earth as servants of God equipped as necessary to effectively serve at His pleasure over ours. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago, Ephesians 2:10.
This passage is about imprisoned spirits who were disobedient long ago, understanding is given on a need to know. I don’ have a need to know.
Ron,
I really appreciate the insight you have shared today. This is a challenging topic in some ways. Yet you have pointed out a simple truth: Some things are not ours to know. Others will be revealed when we are ready.
Thank you!