A Lesson From Martin Luther

Several years ago, when I started to lead a Bible study on Genesis, I came across a quote from Martin Luther that has proved almost as valuable to me as the study itself: “Bewilderment is the true comprehension.”

Bond-servants of Christ walk by faith.  The author of Hebrews describes faith as the “assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”  Faith is not sight.  Faith requires dependence on God.  It is not always easy for us sinners, who would follow Eve and her choice to try to do life on her own, apart from God.

There is much to be said about serious, in-depth, inductive Bible study.  It is not an exaggeration to say that I have found it to be life changing.  I very much want to handle God’s Word accurately, with a respect that befits Its significance.  But to extend that desire to a demand that I have the ultimate understanding of whatever text is at hand is nothing short of pride, and takes me in the opposite direction of God’s desire for me as I study His Word.  And although I can become frustrated with my confusion and lack of understanding, my bewilderment is, indeed, the true comprehension of a bigger truth: God is God and I am not.  I can take my frustration less seriously when I remember that it is often more important for me to remember that God is beyond my comprehension than it is for me to understand a particularly difficult text in Scripture.

As I continue to develop humility and respect when studying God’s Word, I am finding the teaching power of bewilderment to extend well beyond Bible study.  As I deal with people—created by God in His image and His work in progress—I find that a willingness to approach with humility and respect protects me from prejudice, jumping to conclusions, judging, and imposing my own inappropriate expectations.  It is deeply good for me, and without doubt it enable me to love others in a more Christ-like way.  As Jesus depended on His Father for words and actions, so I do well to depend on Him.  A lack of understanding can then become a path to relationship rather than a source of conflict.

I would like to think that I am not the only one in our body who is bewildered—by Scripture, by my spiritual brothers and sisters—at times.  As we pursue the study of God’s Word and relationship with one another, please consider the educational value of bewilderment and the power of humility and respect.  I am quite sure that Martin Luther would be happy for our company.

Several years ago, when I started to lead a Bible study on Genesis, I came across a quote from Martin Luther that has proved almost as valuable to me as the study itself: “Bewilderment is the true comprehension.”

Bond-servants of Christ walk by faith.  The author of Hebrews describes faith as the “assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”  Faith is not sight.  Faith requires dependence on God.  It is not always easy for us sinners, who would follow Eve and her choice to try to do life on her own, apart from God.

There is much to be said about serious, in-depth, inductive Bible study.  It is not an exaggeration to say that I have found it to be life changing.  I very much want to handle God’s Word accurately, with a respect that befits Its significance.  But to extend that desire to a demand that I have the ultimate understanding of whatever text is at hand is nothing short of pride, and takes me in the opposite direction of God’s desire for me as I study His Word.  And although I can become frustrated with my confusion and lack of understanding, my bewilderment is, indeed, the true comprehension of a bigger truth: God is God and I am not.  I can take my frustration less seriously when I remember that it is often more important for me to remember that God is beyond my comprehension than it is for me to understand a particularly difficult text in Scripture.

As I continue to develop humility and respect when studying God’s Word, I am finding the teaching power of bewilderment to extend well beyond Bible study.  As I deal with people—created by God in His image and His work in progress—I find that a willingness to approach with humility and respect protects me from prejudice, jumping to conclusions, judging, and imposing my own inappropriate expectations.  It is deeply good for me, and without doubt it enable me to love others in a more Christ-like way.  As Jesus depended on His Father for words and actions, so I do well to depend on Him.  A lack of understanding can then become a path to relationship rather than a source of conflict.

I would like to think that I am not the only one in our body who is bewildered—by Scripture, by my spiritual brothers and sisters—at times.  As we pursue the study of God’s Word and relationship with one another, please consider the educational value of bewilderment and the power of humility and respect.  I am quite sure that Martin Luther would be happy for our company.