By Bill Johnson Used by Permission
“Our royal identity never shines brighter than when we pursue hidden things with the confidence that we have legal access to such things.”
People wonder why God doesn’t always speak in more open terms—audibly, with visible signs. The Bible indicates that God receives more glory when He conceals, rather than making things obvious. It is more glorious for Him to hide, and have us seek. In the introduction to the parable of the seed and the sower we find that Jesus did not merely use parables as illustrations, but at times to conceal truth so that only the hungry would understand (see Matt. 13:11,18-23). It is the mercy of God to withhold revelation for those who have no hunger for truth, because the chances are they won’t obey it when they hear it. Revelation always brings responsibility. By keeping revelation from those without hunger, God protects them from certain failure to carry the responsibility it would lay on them. Yet, He doesn’t conceal from us; He conceals for us!
But there’s another part to this equation—“it’s the glory of kings to search out a matter”(Proverbs 25:2). We are kings and priests to our God (see Rev. 1:6). Our royal identity never shines brighter than when we pursue hidden things with the confidence that we have legal access to such things. Mysteries are our inheritance. Our role in ruling and reigning with Christ, comes to the forefront when we seek Him for answers to the dilemmas of the world. It is important to note, ruling from God’s perspective means “to be the servant of all.” Too many have embraced wrong theology and have used it as an excuse to pursue ruling over others in the way Jesus warned against. Our strong suit has been, and always will be, serving.
Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not be granted” (Matt. 13:11 NASB). We, as believers, have legal access to the realm of God’s mysteries. The hidden things are placed in waiting for the believer to discover. They are ours by inheritance.
Copyright © 2014 by Johnson, Bill. Dreaming with God, Chapter 3, page 60 – Destiny Image Publishers. Used by Permission
Comments
Great read, thanks. Appreciate your posts very much, always uplifting and feeding. God bless.
In Him
Ben
How clearly your words capture God’s intent. I frankly never fully understood before, thank you!
Karen – Thank you for your comment. I agree totally. Just to clarify – this article was written by Pastor Bill Johnson. I really like his writings. It is used by permission, and I will have more of writings in the future. God bless you and keep growing in God. Rex