Nothing is Hidden, Except to Be Revealed
Posted by Pastor Pat on May 14, 2009
Read Mark 4:21-25
“The opening for of verse 22 indicates a close connection with what precedes. What had just been said in figurative language is now elucidated in literal terms. The double statement stresses the idea of purpose. The underlying law is that when things are hidden, the intention is that in due time they will be revealed.” (D. Edmond Hiebert, Mark: A Portrait of the Servant, 107).
In our context, what was unknown about the kingdom is now being made known. Jesus is unfolding and revealing those things that were previously unknown and concealed. His disciples are to be assured of the kingdom’s victory. The truth of God will triumph. Those who are opposed to Him are equally assured of their demise. No matter what man might do, God will win.
The Pharisees and Herodians sought to destroy Him (3:6) and the scribes accused Him of being demonic (3:20-30). This parable speaks directly to their actions. Instead of celebrating and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God, they sought to place it under a peck-measure or a bed (4:21). Jesus assures His disciples that what they seek to hide will be disclosed and what is secret will come to light. Like the previous parable of the soils and the triumph of the good soil producing abundance, so also this parable assures His audience that victory is certain. The program of God is unstoppable.
There is nothing anyone can do to undo what God has determined. I fully recognize this is a significant problem for many Christians. It is the consequence of the tension between the program of God and the choosing of man. Can man stop God from accomplishing His purpose? Is the purpose of God dependent on the choosing of man? Are the two ideas, the purpose of God and the choosing of man, independent ideas or are they complimentary? Personally I believe the Scripture to teach that God chooses to work in and through the choosing of man for the fulfilling of His purpose. I do not believe what the Pharisees, Herodians, and scribes chose to do against the Christ would stop God’s purpose from coming to pass. How God worked in their rebellion against Him for the fulfilling of His purpose is beyond our ability to process. But that God does work in their rebellion is knowable.
The intent of 4:8, 20 and 4:22 is to assure His disciples that He wins. Mark is intentional is pointing out the immediate circumstances of open animosity. The authority and ministry of Jesus is confronted and challenged. What were His disciples to make of all this? What John the Baptist spoke of in Mark 1:1-8 and what Jesus preached in Mark 1:14, 15 are inescapable. The Kingdom of God is at hand and nothing the nations do in opposition to Him will prevail.
Consider the language of Psalm 2. Can we not see a direct parallel between the Psalmist’s utterance and our Lord’s appearance?
1 Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, 3 “Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!” 4 He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them. 5 Then He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His fury, saying, 6 “But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain.” 7 “I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. 8 ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession. 9 ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware.’” 10 Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; Take warning, O judges of the earth. 11 Worship the LORD with reverence and rejoice with trembling. 12 Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him! (Ps. 8:1-12).
No matter how bleak our moments might be and no matter how open the hostility is to the good news of God’s kingdom, He wins! This is for our confidence and assurance. We are to rest in knowing God is in control . . . even of the wicked and their uprising against Him.
By Pastor Patrick J. Griffiths. For more information see the Waukesha Bible Church site.
