Tomorrow at church we begin our series in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. It is very familiar territory for most Christians and isn’t always fully appreciated for that reason.  Also, despite its familiarity, it is not an easy part of the Bible to understand.  Just how are the meek to inherit the earth?  If somebody hits me am I supposed to invite them to hit me again?  Am I really supposed to give up my precious anxieties?  These and many other questions can be left hanging after we read it through.  God willing, through Bible talks, growth group, and quiet contemplation we will have answers.  It does however raise the question of the many other parts of the Bible that leave similar questions lingering in our minds.

Let me suggest that while it is good to have some ready made answers, the best way to understand the harder parts of the Bible is to learn more of the rest of the Bible.  Very often our uncertainties come from not being able to see the more challenging sections in the right perspective.  The solution is then to simply read and think about more of the Bible more often.  It is well worth the time and the effort.