I believe it was Mark Twain who once said, “It is not what I don’t understand about Scripture that concerns me; it is what I do understand that concerns me.”
There indeed are passages that are difficult to comprehend; but there are a great many more passages that are clearly comprehended. But do we really believe the simplicity of the words we read? This is the point of many of Jesus’ declarations in Luke 12:
- “But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.” (v. 2)
- “…whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops.” (v. 3)
- “…do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!” (vv. 4-5)
- “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” (v. 7)
- “…he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.” (v. 9)
- “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” (v. 15)
- “For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds!” (vv. 22-24)
- “Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (vv. 33-34)
- “You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect.” (v. 40)
- “Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.” (v. 43)
- “I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled!” (v. 49)
- “Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division” (v. 51)
God is judge and He can see the desires of the heart and will evaluate them as much as the actions of the body and words of the tongue. God is judge and God will judge. And at the same time, He is gracious and can be trusted for provision and care.
This is true. Do you and I believe this?
Words of Grace 