So the second story in the reading comprehension illustration is also from the latter years of the Christian movement (early years if you will). It is the encounter between Philip (one of the apostles) and an Ethiopian eunuch. Fascinating that this eunuch is of very important positon to Queen Candance. This eunuch is in charge of all of the Queen's treasury. Knowing how women are best friends with Diamonds (and such), I would think no less of this expensive position.
The story started with Philips earlier than with the important Ethiopian but I will like to catch up at the eunuch's chariot where Philip ran thither. "thither?" - I guess the chariot was going farther than he could power walk to. Philip hears him reading from the book of the prophet Esaias (Isaiah for the rest of us). The eunuch has something in common with my dad, he reads out loud even when reading by himself. Then Philip asks the question at hand: "Understandest thou what thou readest?"
The most interesting response to the question I ever heard was his response. I am not sure how Philip was dressed or how important he may have seemed running "thither" with a moving chariot. I would have mistaken him for a roadside begger (in my mind's picture) who may be running to beg for bread or woteva. Different culture, I guess. His answer was questioning than any other response:
How can I, except some man should guide me?
He said "man"; and I do not think he meant gender but he has so much trust in someone else being able to understand better than he does. This important (to the Ethiopian Kingdom at least), rich and powerful man was humble enough to understand that there are other men with better understanding than he who could explain what he reads in a way that he could understand better. He was humble enough to seek help, he invited Philip to join. Now that is shocking. He spoke to this stranger who could not afford his own chariot but was rather chasing his, budding into his space and asking questions. Now he invites him to hop on the chariot with no proof that he could help. Talk about faith in mankind.
The other amazing part of his response before Philip was invited to join was he used the word "guide". He was going for ultimate comprehension. He wants to be led alongside, step by step. Guide is what dogs are trained to do for the blind; that is what parents do for growing children and experts for apprentices. Guide demands that the leader makes decisions for the led (no democracy; all authoritarian). Guide demands that one yields to the leadership.
What guides your comprehension?
What man do you trust to lead your understanding?
Is mankind trustworthy enough to lead your understanding?
Do you trust the author? Do you trust anyone else? Do you read? Do you understand what you read?
Better yet: are you leaning on your own understanding?
It is Sunday yet again and I am still trying to understand a lot of things including things that I read. Trying to understand requires effort and guidance. I find my guidance in smarter people (they are everywhere). These days the internet brings them closest. I feel closer everyday but in case you are still wondering if there should be understanding, two of the books of the gospel record the greatest teacher to ever live in human flesh underscore the importance. The passages are of the same event reference.
Mat 24:15 (partial): ...(whoso readeth, let him understand:)...
Mar 13:14 (partial): ...(let him that readeth understand,)...
