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Interpreting Scripture: The fable that should be nominated to honorary parable Seeking Christ means discovering the word of God. And the definitive collection of His words can be found in the Bible. But there is dispute as to how to interpret the Bible. While I do not have the definitive answer, I offer this perspective. Christ is a very personal experience to each of us. That makes our walk with Him also a personal experience. The goal is to seek the Truth in the words you read. And if others do not see a passage of the Bible supporting what you say, you need to decide first if your perspective is based in Truth and second if perhaps the other person may not have the perspective you do. But discussion is important. However, never force your perspective or interpretation on another. Your words should open a gate into the Truth, not build a fence imprisoning it. Truth does need boundaries, but you should not build a wall or moat around it requiring others to have to scale the obstacles in order to reach it. Misperception of the Scriptures is not necessarily a bad thing. For some reason I thought the following Aesop fable was a parable Jesus spoke. The Farmer and his sons A farmer, knowing that he would soon die, calls his sons to his bedside. Wishing to name to the way to success he says to them, “My sons, I leave to you all that I have. In the vineyard you will find a treasure.” The sons supposing that their father referred to gold, jewels, and the like set to work with their shovels and ploughs. They dug from corner to corner searching for the buried box. And when they did not find it, they turned over the soil again. When that did not reveal the treasure, they wet the soil to make their task easier and went at it again, this time digging even deeper. And though they worked at it all summer, no gold or jewels were found. But all that tillage had loosened the soil and the vines had grown strong. And at the end of the season, the harvest was more plentiful than ever previously had been. Never had such a sweet and bountiful vintage been tasted. It was then that the sons understood the treasure that had been left to them. Even though this fable is not a recorded parable spoken by Jesus, my thinking it was a parable has made me a better Christian. As you read the Bible you will come across passages of which you will not be able to make sense. Reflect upon the words. Do so by seeking the meaning you find. Consult with others. There also will be times as you read that one or more meanings will cross your mind. Consider all the possible meanings because the Scriptures are not fixed words of static law. They are a means to help you find Faith and walk in the Way with Christ. Paul in his letters speaks to the early Church explaining what is expected of Christ followers. And among the most important is Faith. Consider those times you have awakened and remembered a dream. Were were confusing images, situations, and persons saying and doing strange things? Who knows what prompted the dream. Now think--did you dismiss the dream? If so, why did you dismiss it? Was it because it did not make sense to you? Reflect now on those times you tried to make sense of the dream. Perhaps you came up with a meaning on your own or you discussed the dream with others who offered suggestions. Do you see that the process was important? That mulling over the dream may have spurred you into action. And even if the true meaning of the dream was unknown to you, something was sparked within you. Let Scripture be approached in a similar way. As you discover more Truth, apply that to new considerations of Bible stories and verses. I expect to return to this fable to write more because there is so much more that can be added. In your seeking and walking with Christ to learn the Truth, look within yourself to what Scripture is telling you. Others may have a different perspective. Consider it. And remember not to tread on another’s interpretation if it draws the person to Truth because misperceived words still can produce prosperity. See as a reference:
Ephesians 3:17 And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. This page was updated on April 18, 2004 |