No Hiding (Lent Devotion 2021)
“THERE IS NOTHING CONCEALED THAT WILL NOT BE DISCLOSED OR HIDDEN THAT WILL NOT BE KNOWN. WHAT YOU HAVE SAID IN THE DARK WILL BE HEARD IN THE DAYLIGHT, AND WHAT YOU HAVE WHISPERED IN THE EAR IN THE INNER ROOMS WILL BE PROCLAIMED FROM THE ROOFS. I TELL YOU MY FRIENDS, DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THOSE WHO KILL THE BODY AND AFTER CAN DO NO MORE. BUT I WILL SHOW YOU WHOM YOU SHOULD FEAR; FEAR HIM WHO AFTER KILLING THE BODY, HAS POWER TO THROW YOU INTO HELL. YES, I TELL YOU, FEAR HIM.” (LUKE 12:2-5)
“The truth will out." So says a popular proverbial statement. Sometimes it does not appear this way to our human perceptions, but Jesus, tells us it will be so. What men think they can hide, God will reveal sooner or later. In counseling and pastoral care situations on the Reservation, many times people have been ashamed to admit their sin to me. Situations of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and domestic violence have been concealed from me in order to present a good appearance. Although, I have encouraged everyone I encounter that honesty is the best policy, and that ultimately, I am not their judge, these words do not always resonate. But, Jesus’ words are what happens. Sooner or later what was hidden is known.
In this Lenten season, we are reminded of our need to repent. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday with the imposition of ashes, and the words that from dust we began, and to dust we shall return. The words and the ashes are stark prompts to show us that God can send both body and soul to hell.
Although these words of Christ from the gospel of Luke are nothing but condemnation to the sinner who would like to hide his sin from God and others, they are Good News (Gospel) to us who wait on God’s justice. Along with the Prophet Isaiah we will say
(even if it seems unlikely now) “Surely, this our God, we trusted in him and he saved us” (Is. 25:9). We who love God have nothing to fear when hidden things are revealed, because of our Savior, and His redemption of us.
Prayer: I thank you God that you are a just God, punishing the evil that men do, but I thank you even more that you are merciful to me, a sinner. Amen.
Rev. Tim Norton
Navajo, New Mexico