Discernment

Discern (by David Peterson at The Rock Of Jesus Church)

While in the region of Magadan, on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, the Jews asked Jesus to show them a sign from heaven. In Matthew 16:2-4 Jesus replies “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.

While they could discern what the weather was to bring they could not discern their spiritual future. Here, in front of them, was the Messiah yet they could not “see” Him. Jesus provides them with the “sign of Jonah” that refers to His future crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.

Pastor Jerry Wragg wrote: “The straightforward truth of Scripture is able both to open blind eyes and transform the heart (Psalm 19:7-11). Supernatural discernment comes from a mind saturated with truth (Psalm 119:97-104). It brings clarity to flaws, liberates the conscience (James 1:25), uncovers the deepest issues of the inner man (Hebrews 4:12), and fully equips the believer for a life of pleasing God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).” Wragg points out that discernment, or to examine, is derived from God’s truth and it clarifies our challenges in order to guide us.

Witness Lee was a Chinese Christian preacher and hymn writer who wrote “Lord, teach us to discern the spirit” and the first verse is;

Lord, teach us to discern the Spirit

From soul that we Thyself may know;

Thou art the Spirit in our spirit,

In oneness mingled with us so.

Lee asks God to teach us how to use scriptural wisdom to lead a righteous life.

Let us pray: Dear Lord, we pray to you Psalm 119:125 that reads “I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes”. Amen.