(Mark 4:11; Ephesians 1:9,17-23; Ephesians 3:3-5,14-21; Colossians 1:25-28)
And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables (Mark 4:11)
If how we search for knowledge in technology, science, fashion, lifestyle etc. is the same with the way we long and search for deeper knowledge in Jesus, then the whole world would have been filled with our proclamation of the gospel that burns in us.
When we want to search for knowledge in zoology, we do not go to mathematics textbooks. If we want to know more about finances, we do not go to science journals. If we want to know more about current affairs in the world, we do not go to medical books. Each time we want to gather more knowledge in a particular field, we consult authority from the same field. These again form how we justify the knowledge as we come across them. However, when it comes to knowing things about God, Jesus or Holy Spirit we consult sources and materials that are not written by God’s leading or inspiration. We go to a very knowledgeable professor’s articles or a prolific writer’s write up. Most time we question the truth in the Holy Bible, the word of God that saved us with the ideas and principles of these people. Worst still, we begin to challenge our faith in the truth of Holy Scripture with what these people put forward as their facts. Thereby, consciously or unconsciously reverencing their authority above God’s authority.
Our longing for more of Jesus should be our cry on our knees for more of Him. It should be we reading our “familiar” portion of the Bible and tearfully asking the Holy Spirit for a new revelation and understanding of it. It is we studying and meditating the Bible tearfully and prayerfully. It may require our slowing down the “newspaper” pattern of reading, to dwelling in a verse for long and clenching each word for its deeper meaning. It may cost us studying as the mystery of God that it is and not like philosophical or psychological write up. This is tarrying before God for the meaning of a word or statement. It is not just packing aside the Bible to source for its meaning somewhere else. When we hear things that seem confusing or controversial, that we need to clarify, we go on our knees, pray and talk about this before the Lord. He is faithful, just as he promised that He will lead us into all truth, in His own way.
Above all, it is a plea that we should cry more for in the presence of the Lord, “Take me deeper in You, Lord Jesus”. You said a thirsty heart shall be satisfied, “Take me deeper in You Jesus”. Only when I am deeply rooted in you will the devil not deceive me with quasi-truth.
Prayer Point
1) Lord, take me deeper in You, that I may know deeply what Your grace is and its wonderful manifestation.
2) Lord, take me deeper in You, that I may know deeply what Your mercy is and its saving power.
3) Take me deeper in the knowledge of the power in Your mighty name, Lord Jesus.
4) Lord Jesus, take me deeper in You, that I may know the power in Your death, resurrection and the efficacy of Your blood.
5) Father, take me deeper in your will, in Jesus name.
