A curious thing about curiosity is that it can either lead into trouble or into acknowledging what is good and right. Though due to its inquisitive nature it has been said that curiosity killed the cat, it is curiosity that has also led to beneficial discoveries. The most beneficial discovery is that of the truth. However, the curious thing is that curious minds don’t always accept it.
When Jesus was in His hometown of Nazareth, after reading from a scroll of Isaiah, all who were in the synagogue fixed their eyes on Him. (Luke 4:20) Were they curious about what He might say? Were they open to what He would state regarding present fulfillment of what was written? Though they marveled at His words, in the back of their minds was His human parentage. (Luke 4:22) Therefore, knowing what was going on within their minds, we read. . .
“(23) And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘ “Physician, heal yourself.” What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.’ ”” (Luke 4:23 ESV)
Would seeing signs He had performed elsewhere have satisfied their curiosity? Would that have convinced them of the Divine truth regarding Him? As it turned out, after hearing His words, many of these were ready to throw him off a cliff, but He passed through them and left. (Luke 4:29-30)
Some people are convinced by amazing things while others are not. Remember after the raising of Lazarus from the dead, many put their faith in Jesus (John 11:45) while others went and reported it to the leaders. (John 11:46-47) This was just as Jesus noted in the story of the rich man and the beggar named Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) that though someone rise from the dead, even that would not be enough to convince some. (Luke 16:31) It really has to do with whether or not the heart is open to the truth.
Remember Zacchaeus. He was curious enough in seeking to see Jesus he climbed a tree. (Luke 16:4) Having received the attention of Jesus, Zacchaeus hurried down, joyfully received Jesus as his guest, and penitently turned His life around. (Luke 16:6-8) There is an example of curiosity leading to conviction of heart and dynamic life change.
As His creation, God placed within us a capacity for curiosity. Where that curiosity takes us will be a matter of the heart. When curiosity is aroused, may our heart be open to the life changing truth to which it is intended to lead!
Have a great day CONTINUING TO BE CONVICTED BY THE TRUTH IN CHRIST!
Carl
