This is amazing to me, as I read this I could see the key to understanding that comes through Jesus. When we turn to the Lord we will see, we might not see what we want in our flesh, but we will see truth. Are we willing to turn to the Lord and forget our flesh and the desires that our human nature craves? Because when we do the Spirit that is in us – who is there to comfort and teach us everything that is right – will make things clear.
When things get cloudy it is our flesh that is focused on the world and off the Lord. I really like what Warren Wiersbe shares about verse 17 in his commentary. “God wants His children to obey, not because of an external code (the law), but because of internal character.” This also makes me think of what Paul said in Romans chapter 2 verse 15 when he was talking about the Gentiles who didn’t have the written law yet but obeyed God instinctively. “They demonstrated that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own consciences and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.” Sounds like turning to the Lord and the Spirit guiding them to freedom, which is knowing Jesus Christ.
The more we are opened to growth and learning the more we are willing to open our heart and feel it be changed. The amazing thing is the more we do this the more we will see the importance of seeking wisdom from the Lord. We are asked to be Christ-like and Paul even asks us to follow him as he follows Christ so when I see a verse like 18 which says, “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like Him as we changed into His glorious image.” I want to keep looking (or turning) to Him asking for more and more wisdom so my heart is taken over by Him.
I want to end by reading Romans chapter 2 verse 29, “No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.” As we turn to God we will grow, as we grow we will change, and as we change we will become more like His glorious image, so always be willing to turn to the Lord. Amen