(photo credit: inclaritas.com)
"Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them." (Mark 4:33-34, New Living Translation)
“Jesus doesn't take us aside and explain things to us all the time; He explains things to us as we are able to understand them.” (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest)
Part of growing as a disciple of Jesus is spending time alone with Him so that we grow in our understanding. This is why many remain anemic in their faith. Hearing sermons, reading books or devotional literature (including mine), attending Bible studies ... All these are good practices, but the deep growth that Jesus wants to bring about in each of us only comes as we come aside with Him.
Spiritual understanding is not about retaining facts, principles, or examples. It is about internalizing those truths and being transformed by them through conversation and cooperation with Jesus.
QUESTION: What are some ways you have discovered to truly get alone for focused time with Jesus?
Help the rest of us out by leaving a comment below. Let's encourage one another.
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