Ruth 1-4 Luke 8:1-25

“Everything that is hidden will become clear, and every secret thing will be made known. So be careful how you listen. Those who have understanding will be given more. But those who do not have understanding, even what they think they have will be taken away from them.” (Luke 8:17-18 NCV)

Truth is an interesting dividing line. While Jesus didn’t say that specifically, He talked about secrets coming out in the open. He also talked about understanding the truth. There are some who understand the truth of what’s happening in our world because of their relationship with God. As they seek God in the midst of world events, they gain greater clarity about the world and about how God is working in this world. On the other hand, some people think they understand, but as you listen to them explain how and why things are happening, you realize that they have no understanding of life. As they continue speaking, they seem to get wackier and wackier. Usually, they don’t even realize how off base they are as they quickly lose all credibility.

For instance, a newsman tweeted on Good Friday that the way to make any day good was to show selflessness. According to him, that works every time. He probably considers himself very intelligent. Many people seemed to agree with him. Anyone who knows the truth, though, knows that he has no understanding of why we call it “Good Friday.” Good Friday is the day when the awfulest thing in the whole world happened, Jesus was put to death, but, because this fulfilled His mission and by going through this He paid the penalty for sin so that we might have a relationship with God, it was a good thing for us. Anyone who understands what Christians believe should understand that. Should we be selfless and make today a good day? Of course, but if every person in the world practiced that for a full day, while it would be a good day, it still wouldn’t have the impact that Jesus did by dying on the cross. What understanding he thought he had, was taken from him. Meanwhile, those of us who understand that God is working in this world see what’s going on and understand that God’s working even in the worst times. Whether disasters are natural or man-made, God works through His people to show His mercy and grace. Mr. Rogers is famous for helping children understand how to deal with disasters. He told them to look for the helpers. When God’s people understand His words and His ways, they will be among the helpers – not the only ones, but they will be there, working, caring, and showing God’s love to all who are suffering.

Lord, the wise become foolish when they have no understanding of You or Your ways and the foolish become wise by following and understanding You. May I be so faithful that You see me as being wise and that even those who don’t know You will recognize Your presence in my life.

Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.