THE LORD GOD WILL BRING TO LIGHT THAT WHICH IS DONE IN THE DARK

Proclamation:

“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until The Lord comes.  He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.  At that time each will receive their praise from God.”  1 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul began this chapter by telling them that they should regard all of the apostles and leaders as servants of Christ. (1 Corinthians 4:1)  He said that those entrusted with leadership positions must be proven faithful and that it is The Lord God who will judge them. (1 Corinthians 4:2-4)  The Lord will judge the leaders, and everyone else.  He will bring to light all of the things which were done in darkness.  He will also expose the motives for every action and spoken word.  Those who are worthy of praise will receive it from God.

Application:

We really should not judge people because we are not qualified.  We do not have all of the relevant information available to us upon which to base a just decision.  We can only hear what is said and see what is done in our presence.  (Recordings can be so easily manipulated.)  We have no idea of the thought processes or motives which were behind them.  Only The Lord God can see the heart and the mind, (Jeremiah 20:12) and only He has all of the information about a person which is necessary in order to judge him justly. (Hebrews 10:30)  All of the things which were done in the dark will be brought to light.  One day we will have to give an account of our stewardship (Luke 16:2) including every thought, deed, and spoken word. (Matthew 12:36)  We will all stand before Christ. (Romans 14:10-12)  Don’t believe the people who say, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”

Fasting And Praying

"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting.  I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."  Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV)

As part of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that when men fast, it should be done in secret as a private matter between them and God.  One should not look as if one is fasting, but rather one should  look normal as though they are not fasting.  It should not be done for the praise of men. 

Periods of fasting and praying should be a personal matter between the believer and God.  Fasting should be spiritual and purposeful.  Part of the reason for fasting should be seeking the will of God, to know it, to understand it, and to comply with it.  In order to do that we need God's help.  The duration and the extent of our fasts may vary, but the spiritual nature of fasting should always be maintained.  As we prepare for the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savor, Jesus Christ, a period of fasting and praying would be appropriate as we rededicate ourselves to Him and His Word.