Open Our Minds to the Scriptures
David Anderson, president of the High Priest Quorum
Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you-that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. -Luke 24:44-50
I recall it as one of my earliest classroom challenges. Being only six, I was asked by my teacher, “Do you cross the street on a red light or on a green light?” To her astonishment-as well as that of my classmates-I immediately quipped, “On a red light, of course.” It was then that the discussion ensued.
When pedestrians are at an intersection, at what light do they cross? I said, “On red.” My classmates and teacher argued, “On green.” Back and forth we went.
To understand my position, you need to know that I grew up in a “one-stoplight town.” The light hung directly over the center of the intersection supported by cables hanging from the corners of surrounding buildings. When I was at that intersection, I looked at the light directly in front of me. It was always red when everyone crossed the street. On the other hand, my classmates and teacher were looking at the adjacent light which was green.
Before that conversation in the little country school, I did not know that others had a different perspective on when to cross the road. In fact, I learned that at most intersections outside my little hometown, there were lights on the corners. When pedestrians cross the street, the lights are green.
From that incident, I learned a different perspective. My mind was opened to other possibilities. So it is with our understanding of scriptures. We need to open our minds to new understandings.
Prayer Phrase
I am about to do a new thing, now it springs forth… (Isaiah 43:19).
Spiritual Practice
A New Thing
Breathe deeply and listen within. Where is the Spirit doing a new thing in you? How do you feel about the new thing that might be emerging? Are you excited, resistant, fearful, hopeful? Take whatever you are experiencing to prayer. Breathe deeply and listen around you. Where is the Spirit doing a new thing in your community? Pay attention to how it feels to discern the Spirit’s activity and presence within and around you.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
