Read: 2 Peter 1:16-21
“no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”
How often do we talk about “my interpretation” or “your interpretation” of scripture or say that a particular scripture is up for interpretation? Texts can have a variety of meanings in different settings and among different people, but it’s worth remembering that we don’t interpret on our own. I interpret based on the teachers I’ve had and the traditions I grew up in. I can only interpret scripture because people throughout centuries have been smart enough to translate the original languages into the one I understand. We always need help interpreting the word of God offered to us in scripture.
That’s why I’m so happy that more and more churches (including our own) are in the habit of offering a “prayer for illumination” prior to the reading of scripture. What a remarkable reminder that we don’t interpret on our own! Indeed, we need God’s illumination and God’s help. This may seem obvious, but this recognition is extremely important. Even Satan can quote scripture (see Matthew 4:6), and our world is full of voices seeking to make their own words sound like those of God. It is a good thing we have the church, have each other, and have the Holy Spirit to pull us from these words and guide us in interpretation of God’s.
Lord, open our hearts and minds
by the power of your Holy Spirit,
that, as the Scriptures are read
and your Word proclaimed,
we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen.
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