On the Road to Jerusalem: Hidden & Revealed

“In that same hour He rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was Your gracious will.’” 

—Luke 10:21

There is a wisdom this world has to offer and demands its citizens follow, but it is not a godly wisdom. It is an earthly wisdom that is antithetical to the ways and purposes of God. The Bible says that before Satan fell he was wise (Ezekiel 28:12), but his wisdom became corrupted through pride (Ezekiel 28:17). He is still wise enough to masquerade as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), deceive the nations (Revelation 20:3) and blind the minds of unbelievers “to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God”—2 Corinthians 4:4. He promotes a demonic kind of wisdom, one of self-made religion, asceticism, bitter jealousy, and selfish ambition (Colossians 2:23, James 3:15-16).

We must be sober-minded, watchful, and on guard against Satan’s schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11), because he “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour”—1 Peter 5:8.

God hides Himself from the wise and understanding of this world, as Paul wrote,

“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness,’ and again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile’”—1 Corinthians 3:18-20.

We must become “fools” for Christ, coming to Him in childlike faith, and abandon any of the so-called wisdom of this world. The Lenten season is a time whereby we are weaned from the world, stripped of self, and clothed in Christ.

As we fast, God will bring our sins to the surface. What was masked by our everyday habits and earthly joys, is revealed when they are taken away. We must ask God to reveal our hidden sins. Bring to the forefront all that is of sin and self in order that we might confess and forsake it and then be filled with His Spirit so as to walk with Him in joyous obedience, and worship Him in spirit and in truth.

God has declared within His Word to forgive those who come to Him broken in spirit. As David wrote, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise”—Psalm 51:17. We come broken, in godly sorrow, asking Him to forgive us our sin and claiming the truth of 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God will forgive us, and then will restore the joy of our salvation (Psalm 51:12).

God give us the childlike faith to hear Your word and respond in obedience! May we not cater to the wisdom of this world, but live in the simplicity of Your testimonies, accepting them as true and righteous! And may we conduct ourselves in this world as children of light, beneficiaries of a kingdom that cannot be shaken—for the glory of Your great name and our joy of being and doing what we were made to be and do! Amen.