Say Shibboleth And Live

When I was growing up, I was a member of numerous clubs and organizations. Some of them had secret signs; winks, finger tricks, handshakes, passwords, challenges and responses. There was something gratifying (to the flesh) to be a member of a group that had secrets and to be in possession of those secrets. It was fun to be in a crowd of people and to 'challenge' someone who would then proffer the appropriate 'response.' In that instant we would recognize each other 'as brothers' and carry on a conversation smug in our knowledge that we, though surrounded by people, were somehow different and connected. I think it is safe to say that I am not unique in this experience for through-out the ages such secret societies have existed and continue to exist to this very day. People are fascinated by the concept and this to some degree might explain the popularity of books like 'The Da Vinci Code." People like to believe that there is some secret knowledge or 'gnosis' to be gained that will unlock the power of the universe.

As a Christian I have received the word of God, which is the power of the universe first for salvation (justification) and then for change (sanctification). I have never considered the Word of God to be secret or to be kept secret, indeed, as Christians we are charged with the responsibility of spreading it around to everyone! We are to literally spill it and leave it everywhere we go. Even so, I am fascinated by the fact that when one person hears the Word, they are led to salvation while when another hears it, their heart is hardened. Of course, my hearts goes out to the 'hard of heart' for I was once among their number. What then is the difference? How could I go from being 'hard of heart' to 'man of God?' Perhaps the answer is found within (at least partially) the verse I am studying today.

"He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables" (Mark 4:11, NIV)

This passage takes my breath away! As is my custom, in order that I might keep this text in context, I have read what comes before and after. And as I read these parables, I understand them; I can identify people who illustrate the prophetic truth of this entire passage. And I am humbled to recognize that I am identifiable as well.

How is this? It is because of the truth of Mark 4:11. To the 'poor in spirit', those who are broken to themselves, the Word of God reveals the kingdom of heaven. They are 'blessed' by the revelation of the 'secret of the kingdom of God' as it is given to them. But to those who are still safe in the selfishness, those who are hard of heart, those who are not called to God, the parables are little more than the words of a madman; perhaps a fairytale or simple folklore. The 'seed' that is the Word of God does not penetrate the packed soil of their hardened hearts and so the 'heavenly message' of the 'earthly story' has no meaning to them. In fact, they cannot even discern it to know that it has no meaning. What emptiness and sorrow!

Unlike the secrets of my youth, the 'secret of the kingdom of God' I cannot share. Though I share the Word, though I bear testimony, the 'secret' is given only by God and only to those he chooses. This is a hard truth. Nevertheless I rejoice as one redeemed.

Do you know the secret?

Thunder....
Carl