is hidden from God's sight.
Everything is uncovered
and laid bare
before the eyes of Him
to Whom we must give account."
(Hebrews 4:13)
As I reflect and write this morning, there is a bathtub on my front lawn. And a toilet. And a shower pan. And a pile of broken tile. There in broad daylight, for all my neighbors to see, the sun is shining on all the remnants from my master bathroom.
Today, there's a whole lot of shakin' going' on, but it's coming from inside my own house as two contractors (my new best friends!) demolish old cover-ups and lay a new foundation for fresh fixtures. This week will not be fun as we endure the dust, noise, and inconvenience of a much-needed renovation, but, oh, how I am looking forward to the end result!
Truthfully, the renovation is long overdue. For years now, we've been patching and covering up signs of some serious problems, whitewashing the inevitable, doing the equivalent of what my husband refers to as "putting lipstick on a pig". I'm really afraid to see what has been hiding underneath all the tile and drywall all these years! But, when the workmen break for lunch, I will most definitely run upstairs and take a peek.
Regardless of what horrifying things may appear, the good news is that I will now be able to see beneath the surface with new clarity and a fresh perspective. It will be an up-close view, unhindered by exterior decoration and excessive clutter.
The mess in my bathroom, I think, serves as a good analogy for the mess in my being. As a Christian, I must strive to be pure and clean from the inside out. Surface sanitation is not sufficient. Fully surrendering to Him requires stripping away my facade, digging deep below the surface, unearthing impurities lurking beneath my veneer, and throwing them out into the light of the sun ... and into the light of the Son. Only He can take my whitewash job (reference Matthew 23:25-28) and make it as white as snow (reference Psalm 51:7, Isaiah 1:18).
During each season of my sanctification, as I continually surrender to the Lord's rebuilding project in my life, He reveals unexpected treasures, things that I previously couldn't see through the layers of muck that covered them. Each step of obedience on my part yields additional clarity. Additional clarity enables greater understanding. Greater understanding initiates increased responsibility. Increased responsibility furthers His eternal kingdom plan.
Precious ones, the time is coming when hasty and deceptive whitewash jobs will not withstand the judgment of the Lord, and soon, the proverbial lipstick on the pig will be revealed for what it is: pure hogwash (reference Ezekiel 13). " 'Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the LORD, who do their work in darkness and think, 'Who sees us? Who will know?' '." (Isaiah 29:15; see also Ecclesiastes 12:14; Jeremiah 16:17, 23:24; Amos 9:3; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 Timothy 5:24-25).
It's time to focus less on hiding our own mess and to concentrate more on seeking the Lord's wisdom, for "He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him." (Daniel 2:22).
The Lord promises that " 'You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.' " (Jeremiah 29:13; see also Deuteronomy 4:29; 1 Chronicles 16:10, 22:19, 28:9; 2 Chronicles 11:16, 12:14, 15:12, 19:3, 30:18-20; Psalm 22:26, 27:8, 69:32, 105:3, 119:2, 10). And, beloved, His treasure is worth the search.
So, let's stop hiding. And, let's start seeking. And, let's prepare ourselves to receive His coming revelations.
Precious Father, thank You for the revelation of Your Truth! Thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, "in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). I praise You for Your promise that though Your complete "revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false", and I thank You for Your encouragement that "though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay" (reference Habakkuk 2:3). In the meantime, precious Father, I pray to remain a pure and useful vessel for You, unhidden and in plain view before a watching world. I pray in the name of Your Son, Jesus, "for [I] died, and [my] life is now hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). Amen.
that will not be disclosed,
or hidden
that will not be made known."
(Matthew 10:26b;
see also Mark 4:22,
Luke 8:17, 12:2)
For further reflection on this topic, see also ...
How can I encourage and pray for you today? Please let me know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!
Copyright 2009. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.
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2 comments:
I come by way of Amrita :-).
There is a toilet on my front lawn would make a great country song.
Contractors are usu your best friends except for the times they become your worst enemies. Hope it all goes very well for you. ~Mary
Mary, so glad to meet you via Amrita! Her "Yesu Garden" blesses me so much.
You're right; that would make a good country song. I'm sure there's one that's already been written along those lines! :-)
So far, it's Day 3, and they're still my best friends. I pray I can report the same on the last day!
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