The secrets of God’s kingdom

SCRIPTURE:

When Jesus was alone with the twelve apostles and some others, they asked him about these stories. He answered: I have explained the secret about God’s kingdom to you, but for others I can use only stories. The reason is, ”These people will look and look, but never see. They will listen and listen, but never understand. If they did, they would turn to God, and he would forgive them.” Mark 4:10-13

OBSERVATION:

After Jesus illustrated the parable of the Sower, His disciples were puzzled and asked Him what the parable meant? The Lord then made a most interesting comment, stating that He would explain the secret of God’s kingdom to them (His disciples), but only use parables (stories) for others. Quoting from the prophet Isaiah, Jesus proclaimed that this was so that these others would be ever seeing but never perceiving and ever listening but never understanding for if they did, they would turn to God and find forgiveness from Him.

The key thing for us to remember here is that we must turn to God so that He will forgive us. That ultimately is the key message of repentance throughout the Scripture, to turn from our own way of doing things, and turning to God to do things His way. When we come as we are, He forgives us by the blood of Jesus, and makes us right with Him. Thereafter, we are to continue in fellowship with Him, seeking to follow His ways, not turning back to old ways again.

Another thing to realize is that we need Jesus to open the understanding and perception of the Scriptures to us. He does this through the Holy Spirit whom He has given us. As James said, if anyone lacks wisdom, He should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault. Therefore, when we don’t understand a Scripture, we should pray to God to help us understand. We may not receive complete understanding all at once, but He enlightens part by part according to His wisdom.

Consider those who are not Jesus’ disciples. They will look and not see, listen but not understand. This was so true of the leaders of the Jews at the time, the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law. They had the Law and the Prophets, which spoke clearly of Jesus, but they could not understand God’s plan. Only when we are serious about following Jesus will He reveal precious truths to us. Are we true disciples, sincere in learning from Jesus and following Him?

APPLICATION:

Make sure we are turned to God, willing to set our lives before Him, so that He will forgive us. Look to Jesus for wisdom to understand the Scriptures, which show us the way to eternal life. We are either Jesus’ disciples or we are not. There are no halfway Christians, who profess to believe yet are not true disciples. In fact, the early believers never called themselves “Christians”, they were followers of the “Way”. We have to make a decision either to live life God’s way or our own way.

PRAYER:

We praise You and worship You, Abba Father in Heaven, precious Lord Jesus. We thank You for Your beautiful parables, lovely stories which bring out precious truth of the Kingdom to us. Open our minds we pray, that we may understand and appreciate and live life in the way that pleases You. Give us wisdom to apply these great truths. Help us desire and endeavor to be genuine in our walk with You. Help us look to You and let Your presence and Words abide in us more and more. We praise You and love you, Lord Jesus. In Jesus name, Amen.