“That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.” (Mark 4:12)
A few passages are read, heads are bowed, mercies asked for. The one leading the group expounds upon those verses in a manner and form that he believes is in accordance to what the Holy Spirit is saying in them, and at the end of what is called the “Bible study” group, the words are again repeated.
“Questions, comments, suggestions?”
And silence fills the air.
“Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.” (Psalm 119:27)
At least a part of the week has been spent in preparation for this time, and although it may not be true for some, I have yet to attend one of these weekly meetings when the intended goal was not met. Sadly, that goal was not to edify those present, to assist in their sanctification, to enable them to grow further in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, but to move from point A to point B, and always in the allotted time frame.
If a passage, verse or even word is questioned, if one speaks up for lack of Spiritual discernment, that question will of course be answered, but not in-depth, and not at length, for the goal must be reached, the end of the prepared topic must be attained, and so “We will come back to that at another time,” is what is usually offered.
This is the normalized “Bible study” my friends, the prepared format must be followed, the goal is the end of the subject matter at hand, not the nuances and jewels that are found within it. In my mind and experiences, and I pray they were not yours, what I have heard, though not spoken aloud, is “keep up with the rest of the class or be left behind.”
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
Far too often the one that is to be carrying that lamp, that is to be the teacher of the group, is more concerned with where those in the group should be by the end of the meeting, and not with where they are on the path, not with where they may need to sit and ponder, contemplate a particular part of the message until it is fully understood.
God forbid, as it is said, that the end is not reached that they intended, God forbid they might have to continue what was to be completely covered at that meeting need to be continued next week. And God forbid the allotted time is extended for those people who have places to go, people to see, things to do.
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)
I have yearned for a time in the week when men of God who desire to seek the face of God, whose lives are led by the Holy Spirit to lift up the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to the glory of God come together at a certain place at a certain time, prepared to stay as long as is necessary, prepared to hear and understand the truths of the Scriptures, where these are the opening words.
“What is on your mind tonight, what has the Holy Spirit been laying on your heart, where are we to be led tonight for His glory?”
And then, after those who have been led to speak for a few moments about what is on their mind, heart and soul, those men, listening to the Holy Spirit, decide which topic mentioned is the one that should be discussed that evening, begin to pray in earnest to be led by the Almighty, and the discussion begins.
The clock is forgotten, time is immaterial here, only Proverbs 8:17 is of any consequence.
“I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.”
Perhaps this is happening somewhere right now, I hope so, but the standardized structure that has become the norm today is what is expected. A certain place for a specific time covering the content completely is. And then back to the world, feeling better about themselves.
So sad.
