“He replied, ‘The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them’” (Matt. 13:11, NIV).
Secrets. Isn’t that an enticing word? But what if the secrets are God’s? For some of us, that makes them even more enticing. For others, less so. And that’s what draws the line between the two classes of people Jesus was referring to in this verse.
He had just given the Parable of the Sower to the masses. Out of all the thousands of people that heard it, only a handful came to ask Him what it meant. They were His disciples, the hungry ones. He was obviously pleased with their inquiry, because He followed it with this pronouncement: “Blessed are your ears, for they hear” (v. 16). Meaning, “You are hungry! You are listening! Well done! Now I can reward you with inestimably precious spiritual riches!”
Then He proceeded to unpack the parable for them. In private.
What is there here for you and me? Encouragement. Assurance. It’s this: if you are hungry, you will be fed. If you are eager to understand God’s mysteries, He will explain them to you. If you ask, you will receive. If you want them, the secrets are for you. If you ask God a question, He will joyfully, eagerly answer you.
Daddy profoundly cherishes intimate connection with us. He relishes dialogue with the ones He loves. He delights in our questions! In fact, He provokes them. He sets before us an enigma, exactly so that we will ask Him what it means. Conundrums are invitations to intimacy.
The masses did not take Him up on His invitation. They listened, scratched their heads, and went home. Jesus said of them, “Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him” (v. 12b). Meaning, “I tried to give them treasure. They had no appetite for it. So they will lose it. The cares of life will sweep My words out of their hearts and minds.”
But, in praise of His hungry ones, He expressed, “Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance” (v. 12a). This word went out to the ravenous few gathered closely around Him in privacy, and it goes out to you and me.
“Are you hungry? Do you need an answer? Do you desire wisdom, guidance, counsel, instruction? Come, My precious child, ask of Me. Come, apart from the masses, and let’s meet in private. Come in closer. Let’s commune and converse. I have secrets to share with you. Inquire of My heart. My eager listener, I have answers for you. Ask, and yes, dear one, you shall receive.”
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” (Jer. 33:3, ESV).
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What are the different ways Daddy God has used to communicate His answers to your spirit?
Feeding On Jesus 
Everytime I read one of your blog posts, I feel the fullness of the Holy Spirit in my heart!
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Aw, that blesses and encourages me so much! Thank you, dear 🙂
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“He sets before us an enigma, exactly so that we will ask Him what it means. Conundrums are invitations to intimacy.” What a great perspective, and an answer to the skeptics who complain about the conundrums and use them as an excuse not to believe.
As a child of about 9, after I received my first Bible, I would read it by flashlight under the covers when I was supposed to be sleeping. (Providentially, my mom insisted I go to bed ridiculously early. 😉 ) One night as I was hit with doubts, I asked Jesus if He was really, really there, and how would I know? That night I opened up to the page where I found “Ask, and you shall receive …” 🙂 I fell asleep at peace. ❤
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That picture is so beautiful, it brings a tear to my eye. Thank you so much for sharing it with me, Annie. I started to read the Bible at age 9 too. Kindred spirits! 😀
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GREAT POST. thank you!
Thank God for the mystery revealed to us in the New Covenant….. Christ in us the Hope of Glory. This mystery or secret was hidden since the dawning of time.
Col 1:25-27.
Relationship with our Saviour reveals this secret more and more as we walk in THE WAY.
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Yes! The most important mystery of all! Thank you too, dear Faye!
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Some time back, I heard a friend complain about her church. “I’m not being fed!”, she lamented. I had to remind her that we can’t rely on someone else to eat for us. Jesus always has a sumptuous banquet on. (Not that I have to tell you!) If we will linger with Him over His mysteries, marvels and delights, we will hear astounding secrets and see immeasurable horizons. It’s also where we are transformed from listless hangers-on to agents on a mission for the King.
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Wonderfully expressed, Jon, thank you so much. And what a feast it is indeed! “Your soul will delight in the richest of fare.” Oh, to dine with Him, and Him with us, more and more and more!
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Communication with others is a big one. People encouraging me to be honest with what God is speaking into my heart in the different ways He does. I am finding more and more that my girlfriend and I draw these little things God is placing on our heart to front of mind. 😊
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I am so glad that you are able to encourage each other this way!
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