Acts 28:2b they kindled a fire, and received us every one,

Recently one of these devotionals sparked a larger conversation. A dear brother asked some pointed questions in relationship to a point that was made but not fully developed. These things happen in devotionals. I try to keep the length of devotions to a comfortable reading time. They are not meant for deep study but hopefully are food for thought and conversation.

The conversation about that point has blessed me very much because it showed me how others might receive or perceive my post. In the end my position was more fully expressed and better articulated, for myself as much as for my friend. He brought fuel to the fire that I had sparked.

In Acts 28:3 Paul brings wood to the fire. Other lessons are associated with this event but for the sake of this devotional, I ask you read and see for yourselves those lessons. The purpose of this devotional is the issue of the kindling. Devotionals are nothing more than kindling, to get a fire started, not to shed the depth of warmth and protection and light of a roaring fire. Those fires should be shared in the presence of those who bring fuel for the fire, in fellowship.

I pray my devotionals be used as kindling, to start a fire and not be the only warmth, light and protection you receive each day. That is not my intention nor the Lord’s desire.

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Nor does it mean to gather only on Sunday. Continue always in the Word, every day, bring fuel or bring kindling, but be present daily in fellowship everywhere you go.

Matthew 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

Most of the parables begin with a phrase like “The Kingdom is like…” This puts a parable in the category of a metaphor by virtue of the structure of English. So let’s look at what a metaphor is exactly.

Merriam-Webster’s full definition of metaphor states that a metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them.

Let me ask you this, if I were to compare an English word or phrase with something in Klingon wouldn’t you have to know the Klingon language and culture to render a right understanding of the metaphor? It is the same with a parable, you must be able to understand spiritual things to make the comparison or elsewise you are comparing worldly things with worldly things and missing the point.

Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

If that seems unfair, then let me ask you if it is fair for the enemy to learn the secrets of our defenses? The keys to the mysteries of the Kingdom belong to the citizens of the Kingdom. If you want to learn the secrets, learn the language by becoming a citizen of the Kingdom.

1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Become a citizen and get the language tutor, then the parables will come to life for you. The only parable that Jesus explained in plain language is the parable of the sower. That is about the good news, the gospel, that which leads us to salvation and citizenship. It was made plain for all to understand.

DaHjaj ghaH [a] QaQ jaj Daq yIn