The Bible in 2020

Today’s reading

Judges 6-7; Luke 8:1-21

Selected Verses

But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Will you contend for Baal? Or will you save him? Whoever contends for him shall be put to death by morning. If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because his altar has been broken down.” Judges 6:31

For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away. Luke 8:17

Reflections

The moment of truth had come in Israel. The angel of the Lord sent Gideon to tear down the altar of Baal that his father had erected. The local folks cried out in rage, but Joash, Gideon’s father, showing a complete change of heart stood up against the mob. He astutely observed that if Baal were a god, he would be able to take vengeance on the perpetrators himself. Thus, in one moment the light of truth shone on the lie of Baal. That false god was a mere invention of men, not a god with power to do anything for himself or against others.

Jesus in a more general statement announced that all hidden things would be made known and every secret was going to come to light. One of the secrets is that those who disregard God and His word and who trust in other gods believe lies. They delude themselves. This is why Jesus warned His hearers to “take care” how they hear.

Think about it

Hearing God’s Word and believing it have long been a problem. It began with the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. It is crucial to hear and believe God’s instructions and commands. Those who don’t hear or who hear and ignore what they have heard will stand before God’s judgment and lose what they thought they had.

Are you an eager hearer and careful doer of God’s word? Check your attitude and be sure you are. Better to face the truth now and follow it, than to suffer exposure as a fool on that day when God uncovers every lie and makes manifest every hidden thing.

© 2017 John A Carroll Used by permission

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