Discern

Discern (by David Peterson of Rock Of Jesus Church)

Jesus is now in the region of Magadan, just north of Magdala, on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. He is confronted by Pharisees and Sadducees and asked to produce a miracle. Jesus replies in Matthew 16:2-4; “But He replied to them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but are you unable to discern the signs of the times? An evil and adulterous generation wants a sign; and so a sign will not be given to it, except the sign of Jonah.” And He left them and went away.”Jesus is telling them that their discernment with spiritual matters leaves much to desire. They could not see that their Messiah was standing right in front of them. (The “sign of Jonah” was Jesus referring to His impending death, burial, and resurrection.)

Pastor Jerry Wragg once wrote; “The straightforward truth of Scripture is able both to open blind eyes and transform the heart (Psm. 19:7-11). Supernatural discernment comes from a mind saturated with truth (Psm. 119:97-104). It brings clarity to flaws, liberates the conscience (Jas. 1:25), uncovers the deepest issues of the inner man (Heb. 4:12), and fully equips the believer for a life of pleasing God (2 Tim. 3:16-17)”. Wragg’s citing of the benefits of proper discernment is full and complete. They are attributes that the Pharisees and Sadducees cannot seem to summon in order to discern who Jesus really is.

The hymn “Open my eyes that I may see” was written by Clara H. Scott in 1895 and it skillfully lays out how discernment for God’s truth comes from the opening of our eyes, ears, and mouth. The first stanza reads;

Open my eyes that I may see
glimpses of truth Thou hast for me.
Place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
ready, my God, Thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

Let us pray: Dear Jesus, teach us to properly discern your word by seeing, by hearing, and by speaking Your Truth. Allow Your Word to stir within us, illumine us, and set us free. Amen.