Different levels of understanding

When we read the Bible, we can experience different levels of understanding.

We can understand it at the 'textual' level. We can understand at a deeper level after considering the setting and circumstances at the time the verses and stories were written. We can also understand at the intense level, guided by the Spirit.

Today, Numbers 21:4-9 were read in Church:

"The Israelites left Mount Hor...to go around the territory of Edom. But on the way the people lost their patience and spoke against God and Moses. They complained 'Why did you bring us out of Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water? We can't stand any more of this miserable food!' Then the LORD sent poisonous snakes among the people and many Israelites were bitten and died. The people came to Moses and said, 'We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Now pray to the LORD to take these snakes away.' So Moses prayed for the people. Then the LORD told Moses to make a metal snake and put it on a pole, so that anyone who was bitten could look at it and be healed. So Moses made a bronze snake and put on a pole. Anyone who had been bitten would look at the bronze snake and be healed."

Well, reading the 'text', we understand a simple story and glean a simple lesson. Naturally the people got tired of eating the stale food that they brought out of Egypt months ago. And so they complained. The LORD found them ungrateful and so punished them with poisonous snakes. They realised that they had been whiny and ungrateful and so they regretted their actions and asked Moses for a solution. God is merciful and provided a solution to those who were willing and humble enough to accept God's cure.

It is enough to understand the Bible at the textual level. God's Word in the Bible is meant for people with 'normal intelligence' to read and understand. It's unnecessary to dig deeper and deeper just to understand the hidden meanings. No need to ask 'Why punish using poisonous snake and not aedes mosquitoes? Why cure using a bronze snake, and not a wooden snake? Why not cure by praying 3 times a day instead! Why not...'

There is no need to analyse God's Word on and on till the cows come home. God will speak to us and teach us even if we interpret the Bible at the superficial textual level.

But when there are contradictions and we do not understand those contradictions, it's all right to delve deeper and seek understanding. This is one of the purpose of this blog.

So read the Bible on your own. It's better than listening to any well-researched and well-delivered sermons.

Positive Thinking, Superstition or Faith?

There was this story about contrasting attitude:

At the changing room just before a game of golf, the American player was boasting: "Today I am going to hit the furthest I ever did man! I am going to hit a hole-in-one too. You can bet on it..." The Singapore player modestly said to his friends: "Let me do my best today. If I could go round the 18-holes without any problem, I will consider it a good day..."

Some people call the American's attitude as Positive Thinking. Modern management promotes Positive Thinking - "Think big, Think high, Think you can, Be Gung-ho."

Chinese has its own form of Positive Thinking - sometimes label as superstition. Some Chinese like the number 8, and like to be numbered 8 in everything. By oft repeating '8' or 'fatt' he aim to be rich all the time, or in time to come. Chinese like to think and repeat "Fu Lu Shou". By wishing each other FU and LU and SHOU during birthdays and Chinese Neww Year, they hope these will materialise in their lives.

The meta-physical dimensions works mysteriously. Some people do benefit from positive thinking, from superstition or whatever you call it. Others are neutral to these. Yet others even experience the opposite effects.

Now, what about prayers to the God and other spiritualities? Most of us have stopped believing the idea that "God answers all our prayers - but the answers could be yes, no, wait and maybe."

The reality is that 'sometimes God does not answer prayers'. (Like the time when my godly friend prayed for journey-mercy, and yet suffered a road accident.) We don't know why. But our believe in God is not based on how our prayers are answered, but on faith in Jesus Christ, and these faith must grow over time as we experience God.

Do not give up. Keep up your faith. And you will experience God more and more.