A Mind That Understands, A Heart To Know
29.10.05
As my reading of Deuteronomy came to a close, my head began to physically hurt. There is so much revealed in this single book, but how does it all tie to life with Christ? Christ is the only way to God, so how did any of this work for Israel back in that day? What about all these blessings and curses of God, in light of the Ecclesiastes teaching that “bad things happen to good people?” How does it all fit together? How does anything make sense? It seemed like there were only questions.
Then I realized I was trying to understand the scriptures on my own. One of the very last verses reads “Now Joshua the son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom”1 – not his own wisdom, but that of the Spirit. Another verse reaffirms “But to this day the LORD has not given you a mind that understands or eyes that see or ears that hear.”2 or as one translation reads “a heart to know.” The New Testament echos the same need, when Jesus “opened their [the disciples] minds to understand the Scriptures.”3
I tend to be very independent, I like to figure things out on my own – as much for the challenge as for the reward. But nothing became clear until I admitted that I need God to provide the wisdom. Then the puzzle began to fit together.
God revealed ten attributes of his character to Israel, and requires their obedience. Were these commandments really so hard to follow? “For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach.”4 God says it’s possible, though he also knew the intent of their hearts, to turn to other gods.5
Then I realized, God didn’t expect Israel to be perfect. If they were perfect, there would be no need for animal sacrifices to cover all the unintentional sins and uncleanliness, nor the cities of refuge for accidental deaths. Rather God looks to the heart, looks at the intent. Those who intended to disobey God were stoned, purging evil from among them. In effect, God is saying that while we aren’t perfect, if you have the right heart, you will live.
Among the commandments of Law are many passages concerning the heart:
“You shall love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”6 and “love your neighbor as yourself.”7
“Seek the LORD your GOD, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.”8
“These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.”9
While God’s character was revealed to Israel through words of the Law, following the Law required a right heart. As Christians, we see those words embodied in the person of Jesus Christ. The words haven’t changed, our heart must be made right, and obedience stems from that. But we, being people, can more easily relate to the example of a person.
The Gospels shows us how Jesus lived, and through His Spirit we have a glimpse of what that might look like in people today. Jesus calls us to follow Him, to walk in his ways, being an example of Himself to the people He brings around us. In this way, the Scriptures are demonstrated to the eyes of the blind. God can use us, so that others may understand.