And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
John 5:37-40
Sometimes I send my nearest and dearest to the spare fridge to look for something and he'll come back saying it's not there. I know it IS there and go with him to show him where.
It's a mystery to me as to why he didn't see it, but like the old saying goes: "You can't see the wood for the trees!"
That is a trivial illustration, but Jesus is speaking to guys who studied the scriptures daily, yet they couldn't see that those very scriptures told of Him!
How we approach the Word of God is vital. Being open to the Holy Spirit will enlighten our minds and inspire us. However, having a proud attitude and shut mind will bring more darkness.
So will I choose their delusions, And bring their fears on them; Because, when I called, no one answered, When I spoke they did not hear; But they did evil before My eyes, And chose that in which I do not delight.”
Isaiah 66:4
The Lord deliberately chooses to reveal His Truth to ordinary unlearned people (look at the disciples, none were priests or religious leaders) to trump the puffed up head knowledge of the prideful theologians.
This is what God is searching for:
“I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.
Isaiah 66:2
It's so encouraging to know that Jesus is no respecter of persons. He is all-seeing, all-knowing and doesn't need our partial knowledge. He's searching for humble hearts.
We have a promise from the Lord:
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13
If we want to "see the wood for the trees", let's humble our hearts before the Living God and take His Word on board.
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