TUCKED AWAY in various places in scripture are numerous references to “secret” or “hidden” things. Some of these have to do with things that are hidden from non-believers, so the bible says, for instance, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” (Deut. 29:29) Those who are called to obedience through faith are called to walk out their daily lives in the light of the scriptures. In so doing, progressively increasing in both faith and obedience, we occasionally walk into an area that was previously hidden, and find ourselves unexpectedly blessed.
God’s interaction with the creatures of his creation is sovereign; he has that right as Creator. Our knowledge of his “invisible” qualities (cf. Col. 1:15-16) is first made visible to us through his divinely inspired word. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12) None of us, whether safely in the family of God or of those who stand rebelliously outside, are hidden in thought or deed from God. The Hebrews author says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Heb. 4:13)
For those outside God’s covenant, this does not relieve any burden of responsibility or provide for any excuse. They cannot say that God has been hidden from them, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (Rom. 1:20-21)
However, there is also no cloak of invisibility for the covenant members. There is no such thing as sin hidden from God, nor a reprieve for maintaining such unrepentance. As the Psalmist says, “You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.” (Psa. 90:8) Therefore, Jesus both informs and warns us about our response to the word of God. “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen.” (Luke 8:17-18)
But let us turn away from the consequences of feckless faith, which are the very predictable negative outcomes of foolish self-denial and dangerous self-deception. Instead, we turn more hopefully to a reverent contemplation of the God who discloses himself in deeper intimacy to those who love and seek him out.
Paul tells us, of first importance, that God is “able to establish us in accordance with the gospel, the message proclaiming Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for ages long past but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God.” (Rom. 16:25-26) One of those O.T. prophets was Amos, who wrote “Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7)
Peter, himself a prophet, informs that the message of the prophets is not meant to be hidden, but open to those seeking ‘the secret things of God.’ He says, “The prophetic message is completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place.” (2 Pet. 1:19) The prophetic messages of the O.T. that referred to the coming of the Messiah—some 312 or more prophecies in all, and all of which Jesus fulfilled—were a “mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col. 1:26-27)
The Lord Jesus speaks to the ultimate unveiling of God’s relationship with his creatures. He says, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.” (Luke 12:2) There is a not-hidden-at-all reference to an impending day of judgment in what follows. He warns, “Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell.” (Luke 12:5b) Also not hidden is the very clear distinction between those in covenant, and those who are not. Paul says “This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ.” (Rom. 2:16) Of all mankind, those who through faith and in obedience seek an authentic relationship with their heavenly Father, as well as those who reject him, Jesus says “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” (Matt. 25:46)
Our Father has no desire to hide these things from us. If we are earnest in our fumbling faith walk, he will continue to “make our paths straight.” (cf. Prov. 3:5-6) He will guide us, even as we fail forward, for he is a merciful God. “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” (Psa. 86:5) All we have to do is be willing to ask, for he has promised “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jer. 33:3)
Q. Am I still playing childish hide and seek games with my Father?
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