Being open to spiritual insight can dramatically affect our spiritual life. Spiritual understanding can happen as I read God’s word, wisdom from the Holy Spirit, or have a personal encounter with the Lord.
I was on a mission trip where a young man was prayed for because his right arm was impaired after an accident. The Lord healed him, demonstrating His love, mercy, and power, and drew him to faith through this encounter. For this young man, God became real, and so did His love for Him. Sometimes we think we are insignificant, but no one is insignificant in God’s eyes. Jesus paid the price for the sins of all people because each person is important to the Lord, and He wants all people to be saved.
A Roman soldier Received Spiritual Insight
Many people were around the crucifixion of Jesus, including bystanders, religious leaders, faithful followers, and Roman soldiers. Their response to Jesus’ crucifixion would give insight into their hearts. The religious leaders had the most Biblical understanding, yet their hearts were far from God, and they mocked Jesus. Other people had similar responses as they passed, but one Roman soldier was incredibly moved by what he saw that day. This unknown Roman soldier was open to divine insight into who Jesus was and spoke the truth.
Mark 15:37 Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last… 38 And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, “This man truly was the Son of God!” [1] How did this spiritual insight change this soldier’s life? The Bible does not say.
God Desires an Open Heart to the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is always at work like a gardener working in our lives. For those who don’t yet know the Lord as their Savior, the Holy Spirit is at work making Jesus known. The Roman soldier at the crucifixion of Jesus encountered God unexpectedly that day. How did the Lord first make Himself known to you? What were other times in your life when the Lord gave you insight that may have surprised you?
The Lord desires all people to be saved and place their faith in Him; spiritual insight is part of that process. As we become people of faith, the Lord gives us spiritual understanding to help us along our journey. Sometimes spiritual wisdom gives us correction, while other times it encourages us. As we spend time with the Lord, our heart becomes more aware God is speaking to us and what He is showing us.
To hear about being open to spiritual insight, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/mark-the-one-jesus-didnt-save
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Mk 15:37–39). Tyndale House Publishers.