When I was in school tutors weren’t such a prevalent thing. You didn’t hear terms like “mentor” or “life coach” much back then. I know I could have used tutors for some of the classes I took in my grade school days and my undergraduate years. But now we have a wealth of help for those who are still on the education track. And since I am a proponent of being a lifelong learner, I’m glad there is help there, too.

It has been my privilege to sit under the teaching of great pastors and Bible scholars. I did not have formal seminary training, so I’m really glad for the wisdom of those who did and who have poured God’s wisdom into me through all my years. I recognize the importance of studying God’s Word myself, but I sometimes struggle with what it might mean and what the Lord is trying to tell me and teach me. Anyone one else find themselves there? And as a ministry leader, I know how important it is to share more than good ideas… to share God’s ideas.

In my Scripture reading this morning I came across the very familiar story of Jesus on the road to Emmaus. I love that passage. You remember it. After Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, one of the first places He was seen was on a dusty road out of Jerusalem. A couple of the Christ-followers were walking rather dejectedly away from their disappointment and despair over what had transpired. It was the worst of all days for them. Then Jesus began to walk alongside them.

After Jesus led them through the Scriptures, then later revealed Himself to them, the men exclaimed…

Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?

Luke 24:32 NLT

That verse has touched me each time I have read it. But this time…something different emerged. It was the fact that Jesus explained the Scriptures to them. Jesus. One of the first things He did after the significant event of His resurrection was to walk among disciples and show them what the Word of God meant. And it changed the narrative for these men immediately.

If Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever…and He is…couldn’t I expect that His Spirit would be willing to explain Scripture to me? Yes, there is value in commentaries and pastors and teachers. But we should not think that we cannot discern God’s Truth with His help on a daily basis.

It helps me in this area are to ask some questions.

1. What is the passage saying? Context is critical.
2. What is the implication for the people of that day? How did they respond?
3. What is God saying to me? What does this mean for me personally…today?

A. W. Tozer in his book Man: The Dwelling Place of God addressed the idea of the Bible being difficult to understand.

“I believe that we find the Bible difficult because we try to read it as we would read any other book, and it is not the same as any other book…. The Bible is a supernatural book and can be understood only by supernatural aid.”

How important is it to read and discern God’s will in His Word? Dr. Henry Blackaby in Experiencing God reveals the value of dedicated, consistent spiritual growth.

“Grass that is here today and gone tomorrow does not require much time to mature. A giant oak tree that lasts for generations requires much more time to grow strong.”

Do you desire to understand God’s Word and His will in your life on a daily basis? The good news is that you have the best tutor ever to help you interpret Scripture and apply it to your life…so that you might grow into the spiritual oak tree that God wants you to be.