Recent revelations by WikiLeaks website have embarrassed many around the
globe, even powerful governments. Very secret communications between
government officials are now available online. Ironically the founder
Mr. Julian Assange himself is fighting a court case against the alleged
secret activities he had in Switzerland!
In India also some well-known politicians and corporate leaders are in
trouble due to leaked information. They never imagined that their very
secret telephone talk would be published after a few years. One
industrialist has already approached the court to ban further
publication of his conversation.
We don’t want to comment on the ethical implications of such
revelations. However we do have a lesson from these developments. As the
word of God says, “Nothing is secret that will not be revealed.” Luke
8:17; 12:2, 3.
God searches
A Christian believer’s life
must be transparent and straightforward. Hidden agenda and secret
motives should not have a place in our life. Any effort to impress
others with false propaganda or pretension is futile. Even if we succeed
for some time with our corrupt and secret ways, the Lord will not allow
us to continue for long. The word of God says very clearly, “I am He who
searches the minds and hearts.” Reve 2:23. In His own time and method,
He will make it possible that our hidden life is exposed. Even the truth
behind our so-called good and spiritual works will be brought to light.
If man can expose the secrets of fellow being, how much more the
Almighty God who knows every detail of our life, thoughts and
intentions, would reveal at the appropriate time. Cain thought no one
has seen murdering his brother but he was deceived. Achan also was very
much sure there is no way any one could find out his cheating, the Lord
intervened to bring out the truth. David might have thought that he can
get away with general impression that he is a godly king, but God will
never allow His people to continue with deception.
Such plenty of Biblical stories also underscore the truth that there is
no secret that will not be revealed. Even if it takes time, definitely
and decisively every hidden agenda would be revealed. This truth should
force us to fear God and lead a pure and honest life before God and man.
Apostle Paul prayed for the Philippians that they may be sincere. Phil
1:10. About Nathaniel Christ commented, “Behold an Israelite indeed,
in whom is no guile!” John 1:47. Psalmist says, “Blessed is the
man ……in whose spirit there is no deceit.” Psa 32:2b.
God reveals
It is our
close walk before God that allows His penetrating light to pass through
us and reveal our true state. Such conviction by the spirit of God in
turn helps us to seek forgiveness and cleansing. 1John 1:7. Then alone
our life will be marked by sincerity and truth.
Yes, a sincere life, a life in which nothing to hide, open to God and
man, is truly a blessed and joyful life. They need to fear nothing; the
boldness they enjoy is unparalleled. Such was the life of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:22.
At the same time living on lies and hush-hush is self-destructive. In an
unexpected moment the citadel we created may fall down by the
intervention of God. What a shame it would be. So let us live a
transparent life, a life that has no facade or pretence.
God honours
Just like
the unfolding of secrets and the fraud behind our works, our good works
and sincere efforts also will be revealed in His time. Today many may
misunderstand our intentions and misinterpret our sincere labours for
the Lord. Beloved, wait patiently. The Lord will bring to light every
truth. He will honour us for our toil and faithfulness. 1Cor 4:5; 2Cor
5:10
Yes, nothing is secret. Let this truth encourage us to live a
transparent life, earnestly looking forward to that day when we shall
stand before the judgement seat of Christ and be found good and faithful
before Him.
Out line:-
Transformation of Isaiah
1.
An unclean man. Isa 6:5
2.
A convicted man. Isa 6:5
3. A contrite man. Isa 6: 5
4. A cleansed man. Isa 6:8
5. A commissioned man. Isa 6:9
Anecdote: -
Power of the Black Book
A story is told of two
armies facing each other ready for battle. One army had twice the force
of the other. The commander of the bigger army sent an ambassador to the
chief of the smaller army asking them to surrender considering that they
were grossly outnumbered.
Some one narrated this conversation between a French traveler and an
African man. As the traveler walking through a village in Africa found a
native man reading the Bible. With wonder and contempt he asked him, “do
you read this book, we have already discarded this black book.”
Pointing to a small rock, the African told him, it’s only because of
this book, you are alive, otherwise by this time you would have been cut
in to pieces and boiling in my kettle.”
News & Views:-
Ancient Britons Ate Each Other.
According to a PTI report
published by the Times of India, ancient Britons not only ate each other
but also made cups and bowls from the skulls of their victims. It was a
discovery made by a team led by the Natural History Museum. The most
terrible truth is that it was well planned cannibalism, as humans at
that time knew how to bury their dead.
Prof. Christ Stringer of the National History Museum suggests that,
“Cannibalism would have been a good way of removing groups competing
with you and getting food for yourself. There was also a feeling that if
you ate your enemy you gained some of his power.”
To what shall we attribute the wonderful transformation that took place
in the heart of such a group of people? Is it not the word of God?
1Corinthians 6:11
Study: -
SALVATION IN THE OLD
TESTAMENT
In the Old Testament, from
the book of Genesis on wards God’s work of salvation for mankind is
being unfolded. As we go through various Old Testament books we can see
their concept of salvation gradually changing through out their history.
The Old Testament history is full of God’s saving activity for His
people. In the beginning of the Bible itself we see how God saves /
delivers Noah from the floods, Lot from fire. Cf. Genesis ch.9; ch19.
After the call of Abraham, God’s work of salvation is related
particularly to the people of Israel. Their history is in fact the
history of the saving activity of God. ….. More
