Just a thought....
"For there is nothing hidden that shall not be disclosed, nor anything secret that
shall not be known and come out into the open." (Luke 8:17)
The most common teaching on this verse concerns the keeping of secrets - that, eventually, all
we have said, thought, or done will be exposed. And, usually, this is taught in the context of all of
our wrong-doing being exposed. While this is a valid and truthful principle, I believe there was much
more to what Jesus was saying.
He had just finished sharing the parable of the seeds and the sower to the crowds.
Afterwards, He privately explained its meaning to the disciples, knowing that they had ears to hear
and hearts to comprehend; they had been given the privilege of growing in their knowledge, recognition, and understanding
of the mysteries and secrets of the Kingdom of God because their hearts were humble and receptive. (Luke
8:10)
As Jesus concluded His explanation of the parable, there are several verses which seem
to stand alone. However, I believe they are actually linked together for an important picture.
(verse 15) "But as for that [seed] in the good soil, these
are [the people] who, hearing the Word, hold it fast in a just (noble, virtuous) and worthy heart, and steadily bring forth
fruit with patience."
(verse 16) "No one after he has lighted a lamp
covers it with a vessel or puts it under a (dining table) couch; but he puts it on a lampstand, that those who come in may
see the light."
(verse 17) "For there is nothing hidden that shall
not be disclosed, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come out into the open."
(verse 18) "Be careful therefore how you listen.
For to him who has [spiritual knowledge] will more be given; and from him who does not have [spiritual knowledge], even what
he thinks and guesses and supposes that he has will be taken away."
This is the picture I see:
Our Father is looking for hearts in which to pour out His Word - just and noble hearts that
will receive both the written and spoken Word deeply, allowing it to grow and multiply into a great harvest within themselves
and the lives of those around them. Psalm 145:3 states that the greatness of our God is so vast and deep as to
be unsearchable, and yet He takes great pleasure in revealing the complexities of His Kingdom to His disciples. (Luke 12:32b) It is these mysteries and secrets of God's Kingdom, I believe, which will
not be kept secret or hidden, but will be brought out into the open and put on a lampstand for all to see. And it will
not be just a few of His secrets; again, "there is nothing hidden that shall not be disclosed..." I
believe God is intent on showing us all things pertaining to the Kingdom, if only we will hold them
fast to our hearts, steadily and patiently bringing forth fruit.
If you have - through intimacy, humility, and hunger - received revelation
knowledge of the Kingdom of God, be encouraged; you can be assured that more will be given. But for those who live on
the surface, looking only with the physical eyes, allowing doubt and unbelief, temptations and trials, anxieties and pleasures
of the world to distract, not only has the Word already been stolen from them, but the security that they think they have
in their knowledge will be taken as well.
Oh, Father, may our hearts be found trustworthy, holding fast to Your Word and steadily
bring forth fruit with patience. May we ever long for more of the mysteries and secrets of Your Kingdom, knowing
that it is Your good pleasure to give them!
Amy
