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.
Truth will eventually come to light. Isn’t that a great promise of Scripture? There is nothing hidden that the light will not shine upon, nothing concealed that will not be made fully known. God is always just and righteous – He can be counted on in this and we can certainly depend on Him to do what He proclaims. Scripture tells us:4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. Deut 32:4 (NIV)
The world would have us believe that God’s truths will not come to pass - that our faith is no more than just an “opiate for the masses” – something that the weak can hold on to. Jesus told His disciples (as He tells us): 19 "I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He. John 13:19 (NIV)
Our verse for today is also an encouragement for God’s children who have been treated unjustly. Again, all truth will be made manifest. God will right every wrong. He tells us that it is His to avenge, that it is His to repay: 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. Romans 12:17-19 (NIV)
Paul tells us again in Colossians:25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. Col 3:25 (NIV)
As faithful children, we serve Christ and a day is coming when He will right all wrongs. He will bestow upon us our inheritance and will judge without favoritism, repaying wrongdoers and rewarding those who faithfully serve Him. Jeremiah tells us: 10 "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct,
according to what his deeds deserve." Jer 17:10 (NIV)
God not only judges our actions but also understands the motives and attitudes of our hearts. This in itself is a catalyst for us to search our own hearts and minds checking for motives behind our actions. We are told:
2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Prov 16:2 (NIV) 9 "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 1 Chron 28:9 (NIV)
Lastly, light dispels darkness and gives direction. God has called us to be a light for Him in this period of His-story. In this world of darkness, we are to shine forth the light of Christ giving direction to those walking in spiritual blindness - always pointing them to Christ. He tells us: 14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matt 5:14-16 (NIV)
“The oil of the lamp in the temple burned away in giving light; so should we.” R. M. M’Cheyne “God has called us to shine.” Dwight L. Moody