When In Doubt, Ask

Mark 9:31 For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.

 32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.

Often our carnal self is afraid. Of one thing or another. Even as simple a thing as asking a question.

Most of my life, I would not ask questions; I tried to find out by listening to others or research. As a young adult my Mom did not prepare me for becoming a young lady and many things I did not know about. 

I heard a song that had a word in it that I didn't know what it was or meant. I was at work one day and asked my supposed to be best friend what the word meant. Never did that again. She embarrased me terribly and never told me the answer. But, she did tell the entire crew, men and women, that I didn't know what it was. I went home and looked it up for myself. 

So as a single Mom of boys, I educated them ( they were totally embarrassed ) so they would not have to ask a friend. Now I did this privately in our home but they were still "Oh Mom!" and then I asked if they had any questions, Any. They did, they asked and I answered with the help of an encylopedia so that they heard and saw the answer. 

My point is that sometimes we don't ask because we are afraid of the answer or looking stupid. That girl made me feel stupid that day. Or sometimes we don't ask because of who we would inquire of. It seems the disciples (being men) did not want to seem like they did not understand Jesus' words. 

Even in Bible study I have seen the speaker ask for questions and no one would raise their hand. Perhaps everyone understood every word & lesson being taught; but, more than likely it was because they didn't want to be the only one to ask or even the first one to ask a question. So we go about wondering if we really got the jist of the message when all we had to do is ask.

 James:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

If any one of the disciples had asked that day just what Jesus meant regarding the 3rd day, they could have been better prepared for the events that were about to happen.

 How many times have you said, "I understand" when you really weren't sure? 

When it comes to the Word of God, it is imperative that we understand. And important that we ask questions when we don't understand so that we are not left behind when God comes to call his Bride home. 

Now, it is just as important that all questions are asked of the right teacher. For all teachers are not of God. Here is where the Holy Spirit steps in and is our comfort & guides us in the way of Truth!

Without the Holy Spirit of God we can and likely will be decieved. For our understanding we must study the Word. Asking the Spirit of God to open our understanding. Inquiring of the teacher what we don't quite get from the lesson. Don't be afraid or intimidated. 

At the judgement seat "I didn't understand" will not be accepted. You had the chance to ask and understand. 

The living Word of God has the answer already listed... but you won't know until you read and study it. 

 2Titus  2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Heavenly Father, I humbly ask that you guide us into all YOUR Truth. That we be not decieved by false teachers and certainly not of oursleves. Guide us to and along that narrow path that leads to you. Help us to daily walk and talk in your will and way. Thank you, Lord, that we can ask of you and you will answer!

You are more than worthy of all praise! Thank you Lord.