The Interpreted Word
Inspires Our Hearts

By Rev. John Robert Opio

President, Christian Life Teachings International
Kampala, Uganda

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
(Luke 24:27, 32)

In Luke 24:27, to “expound” is to interpret. Half a century ago, the great London preacher, Dr. Joseph Parker, delivered a sermon on the phrase, “which being interpreted is” which he entitled “The Interpreter” (see his Temple Pulpit, London, 1899, pp. 40-47).

The passage in Luke 24 is an account of the walk of the risen Lord with the two disciples on the way to Emmaus. The two disciples walking to Emmaus could have been among those who deserted Jesus (see John 6:60-66). While the two disciples walked and talked
together concerning the death of and rumours of Christ’s resurrection, Jesus drew near to them and interpreted the facts surrounding His death and resurrection.

Our generation (21st century) needs a man who will tell us the meaning of hard words, difficult things and mysteries which press too heavily upon our staggering faith.

We need Preachers, Pastors, and Teachers who can interpret to us the meaning of confused and confusing events. Jesus was and is such a man. And as His followers we should learn from him.

Allow me at this point to say something about Workers Together With Him ministry. It was 2004 March when God connected me to Rev. Tim Sullivan at Pearl Haven Christian Church, Mbale. As I attended all his teachings, God united my heart with Tim in a wonderful way. And I knew why God did this, two things: 1) Rev. Tim Sullivan is an interpreter of God’s Word, and 2) he is a Bible teacher. In my heart was the conviction that he is the right person I can team up with in training and teaching rural pastors.

An interpreter must know that the Bible is a record inspired by the Living Spirit who uses it to speak to men.

And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
(Luke 24:32)

In summary, a Bible interpreter must have the following spiritual qualifications: be born again, have a passion to know God’s Word, always have a deep reverence for God, utter dependence on the Holy Ghost to guide and direct.

To God be the glory and honor for ever.

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From the May 2006 edition of the Vine & Branches