“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 29:29, NIV)
Context
This verse comes from a book that records the words and deeds of Moses, the leader and lawgiver of Israel. In this book, he reviews the history and the covenant of God with His people, as they prepare to enter the promised land.
He reminds them of the blessings and curses that will follow their obedience or disobedience to God’s commands.
In chapter 29, he renews the covenant with them, and warns them of the consequences of breaking it. He also acknowledges that there are some things that only God knows, and some things that He has revealed to them.
The Message
What can we learn from this verse and its context? First, we can learn that God is sovereign and mysterious. He has the secret things, meaning that He has the knowledge and the power that are hidden from us.
He knows the end from the beginning, and He controls all things according to His will. He is the one who makes and keeps the covenant, and He is the one who judges and saves.
He is the one who reveals and conceals, and He is the one who speaks and acts.
Second, we can learn that God is gracious and faithful. He has the things revealed, meaning that He has the knowledge and the power that are given to us.
He has revealed Himself to us, and He has revealed His will to us. He has given us His law, His promises, His warnings, and His instructions. He has given us His presence, His guidance, His protection, and His provision.
He has given us His Son, His Spirit, His Word, and His Church.
Third, we can learn that God is holy and righteous. He has the words of this law, meaning that He has the standard and the expectation that are required of us.
He has given us His commands, His statutes, His decrees, and His ordinances. He has shown us His ways, His works, His wonders, and His signs.
He has called us to love Him, to obey Him, to trust Him, and to serve Him.
How can we apply this verse and its message to our lives? Here are some suggestions:
Revere God
Acknowledge that God is sovereign and mysterious, and that He deserves our awe and respect.
Do not try to manipulate God, but accept His wisdom and authority. Do not doubt or question God, but worship and praise Him.
Do not ignore or neglect God, but seek and honor Him.
Receive God
Recognize that God is gracious and faithful, and that He offers us His love and mercy.
Do not reject or resist God, but welcome His revelation and gift. Do not take for granted or abuse God, but appreciate and cherish Him.
Do not forget or betray God, but remember and thank Him.
Respond to God
Realize that God is holy and righteous, and that He expects us to be His obedient and faithful people.
Do not disobey or rebel against God, but follow His commands and instructions. Do not disregard or compromise with God, but heed His warnings and promises.
Do not disappoint or dishonor God, but please and glorify Him.
The secret things belong to the Lord, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children. This is the message of Deuteronomy 29:29, and this is the message of the covenant. Let us heed it and live by it.
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