How can we seek God's wisdom to avoid being "covered" and "sealed"? Setting the Scene: Isaiah 29:10-12 “For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep, and He has closed your eyes—the prophets; He has covered your heads—the seers. And the entire vision will be to you like the words of a sealed scroll. When it is given to a literate person, he will say, ‘I cannot read it, because it is sealed.’ And when the scroll is given to one who cannot read, he will say, ‘I cannot read it.’ ” What “Covered” and “Sealed” Picture • Covered eyes and heads – spiritual dullness; the very people meant to see and speak for God lose clarity. • Sealed scroll – God’s revelation sits in front of them, yet remains inaccessible; truth is present but unfelt and unpracticed. • Together they warn of a life where God still speaks, yet we are numb to His voice. Roots of Spiritual Blindness • Habitual sin that hardens the heart (Isaiah 30:9-11; Proverbs 28:13). • Religious activity without surrendered hearts (Isaiah 29:13). • Pride that trusts human wisdom over divine instruction (Proverbs 3:5-7). • Neglect of Scripture, leaving the “scroll” unopened (Hosea 4:6). Pursuing God’s Wisdom: Practical Steps • Confess and turn from hidden sin – “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). • Ask boldly for wisdom – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given” (James 1:5). • Treasure Scripture daily – Receive: read and listen attentively (Romans 10:17). – Retain: memorize key verses (Psalm 119:11). – Respond: practice what you learn (James 1:22-25). • Cultivate humility – “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at My word” (Isaiah 66:2). • Depend on the Spirit’s illumination – “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). – Pray with expectation, “Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law” (Psalm 119:18). • Walk with wise believers – Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17); fellowship protects us from blind spots (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Obey promptly – Light obeyed brings more light; light resisted fades (John 7:17). Promises for Those Who Seek • Insight: “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). • Guidance: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). • Freedom: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). • Fruitfulness: “He is like a tree planted by streams of water… whatever he does shall prosper” (Psalm 1:3). Summing Up To avoid being covered and sealed, we move toward the light of God’s Word with humble, repentant, Spirit-led hearts. As we confess sin, ask for wisdom, embrace Scripture, and walk in obedience, the scroll opens, our eyes clear, and God’s wisdom guards our steps. |
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