We all know the expression “Let sleeping dogs lie.” This evening it took on added meaning for me in a literal sense. Our dog was (I thought) sound asleep when I said to my wife, “At 8 let’s go for a walk.” An electric prod could not have gotten that dog to her feet any faster. Instantly up, ears perked, eyes wide, dancing feet were just part of a demonstration that would have had added, “Well, let’s go. Get out of that chair.” if she could talk.
She heard what she understood and added her own interpretation. Ah, behold the principle of human Biblical interpretation. With our limited base of knowledge, with our biases and desires, with our conceit that we are smart, with our sinned dulled senses we read a text here and there and concoct all manner of strange ideas about what God has said. We do it in all honesty. We are just not as smart as we think we are. However, there are those who deliberately pervert God’s word to their own financial gain. Just watch some television preachers and you will know what I mean as we watch them fleece the gullible.
Jesus’ disciples were so sure Jesus was going to establish His earthly kingdom right then and there. James’ and John’s mother came and boldly asked Jesus for the ranking positions in the new kingdom. There was so much Jesus wanted to explain but He knew better. Once He said, “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.” They were like my dog. They heard words and phrases they thought they understood and they added to that their intense desires. Judas went so far as to try to make some money on the side so he could laugh at the authorities when Jesus established His kingdom.
Written by Roger Bothwell on May 8, 2013
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org