Sometimes I grasp only some of what’s happening around me. There’s a gap where I don’t know what I am missing.
A Remarkable Story
In the Gospel of John, Chapter 11, we read a story about a death in a family.
Often, we focus on Lazarus being brought back to life, John 11.44, four days after he died.
Now, certainly that’s impactful and miraculous. But, there’s more here. Much more.
The Deeper Meaning
In John 11.40 Christ says to Martha “…didn’t I tell you…”
His expectation was that Martha should have learned something much deeper in an earlier conversation.
Thus, He’s reminding her that there was more she should have grasped. Much more.
In fact, in Verse 40 he links “…see the glory of God” with her personal faith in God.
Consequently, my personal faith in God enables me to connect the dots of life events.
I’m able to draw from what I’ve been taught. Then, I practically apply that teaching to a current or on-going life event.
What I Am Missing
Ok, an obvious question: Why do I fail to grasp things? Why don’t I get it?
Well, here are two reasons why.
First, part of the problem is my tendency to make assumptions.
For example, In John 11.23 Christ tells Martha that her brother will rise again.
Her response, in John 1124 is: Yes he will, in the last day.
What follows in Verse 25 is one of Christ’s I AM statements!
Her assumption? That Christ was speaking of a time far in the future. Certainly not today!
Second, a more general challenge is my inability to draw insights as deeply as I should from life experiences.
Huh? Unfortunately, my learning is rather shallow. And, I’m Ok with that! In short, I don’t know what I don’t know because of what I am missing!
Apply This Today!
Spiritually, I hear “didn’t I tell you” when I’ve missed the deeper teaching from a life event.
I make assumptions, then rush away thinking I’ve gotten all there is to learn from a situation.
So, if I’m not there yet, what should I do? Continue to grow – personally and spiritually. To reflect. And, to ask for divine guidance.
Can we ever know it all? Of course not. But, we don’t have to wander around clueless!