Told in the darkness, whispered in the ear

Told in the darkness, whispered in the ear

Scripture:

So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:26-31

Observation:

In this passage, we see the Lord firstly telling His disciples not to be afraid of those who will persecute them. Their persecutors could be powerful men with authority to torture and kill the disciples, but the Lord asks us to look beyond that, to value most of all the soul that man cannot destroy. He reminds us that it far more important to please God rather than men. Men may only have power and authority on earth, and only whilst they live. In the end, this whole earth will also pass away. God however is eternal, and He is the great judge who will judge all mankind.

The Lord then gives us an insight into how God reveals great secrets to us. It is in the darkness and with whispers. This gives us a picture of deep intimacy. It is in the quietness of the night or the early morning when we seek the Lord privately, that He reveals deep things to us. It is in such intimate, personal times that we really grow and glean deep truths from the Lord. And the blessing of such knowledge is not for us to keep to ourselves alone, but to declare it out loud, but to share it and encourage others, or lead others to the Lord.

In respect of darkness, another aspect is when we go through times of darkness or troubles. It is also in those times when we really seek the Lord and in such honesty, the Lord also reveals great truths and wisdom to us.

In the last portion of this passage, the Lord asks us to compare ourselves to sparrows that the Lord watches over and assures us that even the very hairs of our head are numbered. The Lord knows us in such great depth and detail. He really knows our inmost being.

Application:

Praise God that we do not have to be afraid, of any man or demon. Thank God that we are secure in Him, and have complete assurance of His protection and salvation.

Endeavor to seek the Lord in the darkness of the late evening or early morning. Expect to hear from the Lord, His precious words and teachings for us. Praise God that He is our true Creator, that He knows the number of hairs on our head and He cares for us.

Prayer:

Praise You, Heavenly Father, for You hold all things in Your hands. In You O Lord I put my trust. Let me never be put to shame. Give me strength and courage I pray. Let me not fear men, but seek to do Your will. Speak to me, precious Lord, in the darkness, in gentle whispers. Teach me Your wisdom. Teach me Your truth. Praise You, Lord, for Your great love. You know my inmost being O Lord. May Your name be praised forever. In Jesus name, Amen.