Comprende?

Posted on September 13, 2019 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?” Mark 4:13

There’s a fine line between seeing cloud configurations that look like Jesus coming and applying an earthly example with a spiritual meaning. There is also a major difference in communicating and comprehending, hearing, listening and seeing but not being seen or heard are two different things.

“Comprende”, a word my elementary school teacher would use when trying to get through to me. I didn’t even know it was Spanish until years later. Comprende, a word that emphasizes “Do you understand?” When Jesus spoke a parable I believe He used an earthly example to bring a spiritual meaning.

When was the last time you considered the lilies of the field or the sparrows? Have you gone to the ant? On and on it goes, earthly examples with a spiritual meaning. The Bible’s teachings and precepts are being played out all around us. There was a time I was at my wits end with a brother who was suffering with serious anger issues on top of his addiction. He repeatedly rebelled against counsel. “Just fix my addiction and stop trying to dig up my past” he would shout. It wasn’t until I asked him to repair a ceiling for me that God used a spiritual truth.

Because of his expertise in painting and drywall repair he began to explain to me that there was only one way to repair the damage. “We must dig into the ceiling and find the root to the problem” he said to me in a derogatory manner. In which I replied “Just fix the crack and stop trying to pry into the ceiling, COMPRENDE!” We then spent the next few minutes in a heart to heart conversation about how God wanted to heal him from the inside out. How the Holy Spirit used a damaged ceiling to get through to him. With tears running down his face he asked to be excused, he said he felt so bad for the way he treated his counselor that he needed to make it right.

Each day I believe God wants to use parables to speak to us. We also have the Holy Spirit to whisper, “Comprende?” So the next time something looks more than what meets the eye, ask God if He’s trying to show you something, “Comprende?”

Written by Rob Russomano, Rob Russomano is married to Terri, and serves with her as full time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.

Think About This: Christ wants a child’s heart, but a grown-up’s head. He wants us to be simple, single-minded, affectionate, and teachable, as good children are; but He also wants every bit of intelligence we have to be alert at its job, and in first-class fighting trim. – C.S. Lewis

The Daily Bible Reading: Judges 16-18, John 5:25-47| You can download our 2019 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! – Psalm 139:17

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.