Tuesday, November 8
Nothing hidden, nothing concealed
Scripture: Nehemiah 5-6, Luke 8
Luke 8:17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.
Observation
This is one of three sayings (v. 16-18) that follow the parable of the soils. This verse appears in other contexts in the gospels, even in Luke’s gospel (see Luke 12:1-3), and in the writings of the church fathers. It could mean several things, determined by the context.
It could refer to the truths Jesus is teaching couched in parables. The truth is “concealed” in the parable, but it will be clear to those who look. This is the most likely meaning here.
It could refer to the truth of a circumstance that is overlooked or misunderstood, but will one day come to light and be understood. The truth will eventually be known.
It could also refer to the secrets of people’s lives that are hidden now, but will one day be disclosed. There are no secrets.
This saying is used in all these ways in different contexts.
Application
We read the Bible through our own lens, and those lenses are colored by what we are currently experiencing. So this verse spoke to me in meanings #2 and 3 above. Here’s why.
Meaning #2: Someone I love is currently sorting through a misunderstanding. I found encouragement in the idea that the hidden and concealed—what really happened—will be known and understood. The truth will win out. The conflict will be resolved. I’m praying for that “disclosure”—for everyone to get on the same page rather than read from different narratives.
Meaning #3: Several people I love are suffering because one of them has kept secrets—and those secrets have been disclosed. There are no secrets. All will be known—either now or when we stand before the Lord. So we need to live with integrity (integer—one and the same in private and public), and without secrets. Those who live with secrets die with regrets. I’m praying for everyone involved who is living with the pain of secrets revealed.
Prayer: Lord, I find encouragement in the idea that all will be revealed—now or then. You will vindicate the righteous and lay bare the deceitful. I want to be someone who has no secrets other than what is true and good.