One Secret Worth Knowing
Why would the Kingdom of God have secrets? Clearly there is a powerful reason that Jesus kept knowledge hidden or concealed, discreet from certain people. In Luke 8:10 he explained himself to his Apostles: “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that … though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand“, (also in Isaiah 6:9). Let’s consider some of human purposes for secrets; to spare, protect, shelter, exclude, privilege, withhold, hide, harm or deceive. Now let’s consider the fact that God always has our best interest at heart, which would exclude for His purposes, the possibility of secrets “to harm or deceive“. This still leaves several possibilities.
This scripture was written by Isaiah the prophet (around 745 B.C.) but was then repeated by Jesus as recorded by Luke. The Isaiah prophecy, goes on to answer how long the “secrets” of God’s kingdom should be kept. The described period of darkness (per Isa 43:8) ends when 10% (presumably of the people) remain, then the Spiritual light will guide those who have been sincerely working to know God, in order that they may live according to His will; and the remaining darkness will confuse those who have chosen to live spiritually blind. Understanding comes only from a focused, continuous effort to know God. God’s kingdom is for the little children & those of His prospective children, who have pursued Him tirelessly. Why anybody would choose to remain (spiritually) blind, which in essence will result in eternal separation from God (or spiritual death) is known only to God. We know that God dearly loves every part of His creation and it’s His desire that every one of His children be with Him in His kingdom. However, God has proven that He isn’t constrained by linear time or by the paltry 3 dimensions of our limited earthly existence. He already knows each of those who have sought Him, those currently seeking Him and those who will one day seek Him. The well known but over simplified “Just Believe” entry code to his kingdom, which so many rely entirely on, is only the first step of the human journey. Continuously striving to better understand God is equally critical. This is the “secret” behind Christ’s parables, that everyone needs to know and pursue. God’s grace is greater than any other, when we genuinely seek and love Him, His Will influences ours and that’s the most critical path of our journey home. The apostles knew what they’d been given and they served out of love and admiration, we still have much to learn.
JC CALKINS with COMMON SENSE 4 UNCOMMON PEOPLE
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