First-hand Revelation

As I step into the second week of studying the Bible here in Cambodia, I feel encouraged to press on through all the work of study because I have tasted of the reward that is to be had from seeking out the truth of Scripture. Last week we finished Philemon and Titus, and I learned so much! I have never studied the Bible this in-depth, learning about the context of when and where each book was written, and what it meant to the original reader, to those whom it was written for.

I have been realizing the importance of gaining first-hand revelation. There is a blessing in second-hand revelation, where we learn through sermons and books, which has been my primary method of spiritual growth since I began pursuing Christ in college. Though it is great to learn from the revelation of others, I must get first-hand revelation by meditating on Scripture and asking the Lord to reveal to me the timeless truth of His Word and how it can be applied in my life today. It is amazing that we can dialogue with the author of the Bible as we read it. The Holy Spirit wants to give revelation to those who fear the Lord and cry out for insight.

A line from A.W. Tozer’s book (Man: The Dwelling Place of God) struck me the other day: “The Bible is a supernatural book and can be understood only by supernatural aid.” The importance of prayer has once again been brought to the forefront. It is easy to just open the Bible and begin to read, forgetting to first ask God to give us His Spirit of wisdom and revelation to understand. But in order to truly know truth, encounter the Living God, and experience transformation of lifestyle, time in prayer is vital. Let us be ones who have the same heart cry as the disciple who said to Jesus in Luke 11:1, “Lord, teach us to pray”.