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Today's Little Lift

    by Jim Bullington

Your Father Who Sees (Matthew 6:4)
Date Posted: September 27, 2022

There is simply no way to explain some things that are true, at least in terms of the physical universe. To state it another way, some things are inexplicable according to the “laws of nature.” Not all of these are miraculous, but the miraculous would be included in this body of events or things. For instance, God is not a miracle but He certainly cannot be explained according to the laws of this universe. Our devotional thoughts today will deal briefly with one attribute of God which, like so many others, cannot be explained in terms of the natural; it can only be explained in terms of the supernatural.

The text from which we will extract this trait recorded Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Here is the quote: “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” (Matthew 6.1-4). In particular, I ask that you focus on the statement that God the Father sees even the secret things.

Now, let’s break this down. First, note that Jesus did not say that the Father saw some or part of the things that people do; He placed no limitations on this ability at all. This is consistent with other passages which claim that God is aware of all things in all places! These is no way to explain (or even understand) this statement. It simply has to be accepted as part of the definition of God; this is who He is! We will add a couple of verses to accentuate this fact. “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4.13). Rhetorically, God asks, “‘Am I a God near at hand,’ says the LORD, ‘And not a God afar off? Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?’ says the LORD; ‘Do I not fill heaven and earth?’ says the LORD.” (Jeremiah 23.23-24).

God can also see in all circumstances. The Psalmist put it this way: “If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall fall on me,’ Even the night shall be light about me; Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.” (Psalm 139.11-12). This statement can be taken literally, but it goes even beyond what the Psalmist said; not only can God see in the darkness, He can see in all places, under all conditions, all peoples, and all places! Again, this is unfathomable to humans due to our limitations within the physical realm, but it is but one of the many things in which God simply cannot be defined in terms of humanity.

As is implied or stated in the previous passages, God sees our deeds of iniquity as well as our good deeds. Again citing the Psalmist, “You have set our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance.” (Psalm 90.8). Perhaps this is why he preceded this statement with this sentiment: “For we have been consumed by Your anger, And by Your wrath we are terrified.” (Psalm 90.7). To state it as did the writer of the Hebrew epistle, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10.31).

Whether we look on this all-seeing of God as a threat or not depends entirely upon our relationship to Him. If He is a stranger, we see it as an uninvited and unwelcomed intrusion. If we walk with Him, we see it as a guarantee of protection and future blessings!

Questions:

1. What type of reward did Jesus say would be given for good deeds done in secret (see also Matthew 6.6 and Matthew 6.18)?

2. What word did the Hebrew writer use to describe how “all things” are before God’s eyes (Hebrews 4.13)?

3. Is there a difference in being “under the mighty hand of God” (1 Peter 5.6) and “falling into the Hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10.31)? If yes, what is that difference?

4. According to Ecclesiastes 12.14, what works will God bring into judgment?

"Point of Reference" from Fred Price

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Biography Information:
Jim Bullington - A Christian writer whose insight into the scriptures is reflected in practical application lessons in every article. The reader will find that the Bible speaks directly to him/her through these articles. God is always exalted and His word is treated with the utmost respect in this column.
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