Let us dig, like we are digging for treasure, for the meaning of this Scripture.
On its face, it would seem like this Scripture primarily advises us of our duty to raise truth high, and make it clear and simple and bright, so that all may see the light. But, then, why does Jesus use parables to teach? Why does Jesus make statements such as: “… “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, so that SEEING THEY MAY NOT SEE, AND HEARING THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND.”??? Luke 8:10.
The answer is that there are two different parties addressed: God and man. On the one hand, God has the prerogative, authority, and power to unconditionally elect those people who will know the mysteries of the kingdom of God and be saved. God even has the prerogative, authority, and power to unconditionally elect those people whom He will hardened. On the other hand, man has the duty to raise truth high, and make it clear and simple and bright, so that all may see the light.
Regarding the duty of man, “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Regarding the prerogative of God, “So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?” On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this,” will it? Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?” Romans 9:18-21.
But, even regarding the duty of man, God is sovereign. God will accomplish all of His good pleasure. “For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light.” Luke 8:16-17. We may be shy. We may be weak. We may be inclined to cover or even hide our light. We may not want to tell others about our faith. We may want to keep our faith secret.
But, God is the One who lights our lamp. God is the One who puts us on the table. God is the One who takes off any containers or veils “so that those who come in may see the light”.
“For You light my lamp; The LORD my God illumines my darkness.” Psalm 18:28
Isaiah 49:9
“Saying to those who are bound, ‘Go forth, ‘To those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves ‘ Along the roads they will feed,And their pasture will be on all bare heights.”
“I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me and heard my cry.
He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
Many will see and fear
And will trust in the LORD.” Psalm 40:1-3.
“…’My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;
Calling a bird of prey from the east,
The man of My purpose from a far country
Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass.
I have planned it, surely I will do it.” Isaiah 46:10-11.
“Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:3
Praise God!
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 