Spiritual Awareness
Jack Davis
“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemeth good in thy sight” Luke 10:21.
Solomon requested, “I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in…Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart…” Read I Kings 3:5-12.
It is interesting to consider what Jesus prayed for, and how He prayed. It is enjoyable to think of what He enjoyed while here as a man. The Scriptures record His rejoicing and thanksgiving, and we attend to them to our benefit, for they are very instructive.
We know that He delighted in the Father’s will. Psalm 40; Heb. 10. From our text, he seemed to be enjoying the manifestation of God’s choices for divine revelation. We do well to follow suit.
We notice His rejoicing over things hidden, and from whom they were hidden, and of things revealed and to whom they were revealed. Would it not be better for us to do likewise instead of crying why, why, why? It is wise to give thanks to the Father who is omniscient. He always has His right reasons for all things. It is unwise to think we can judge God and justify ourselves, Rom. 12:3,16.
There are times when that which our Father permits, purposes, and provides for, may seem very contradictory to our reasoning. And even when we have attempted extensively with prayer to understand, they still remain a mystery.
We rejoice that sacred secrets are divinely revealed at our all knowing Father’s discretion. In the depths of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God, there are judgments unsearchable, and ways past tracing out – Rom. 11:33-36. Yet, in Christ Jesus, God hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence – Eph. 1:8. For in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge – Col. 2:3.
Glory to God, we are so glad to recognize the wisdom of our Father in choosing what He chooses, and using what He uses unto His eternal glory. Jesus is made to trusting hearts wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption that no flesh glory in His presence – I Cor. 1:26-31. Praise God, in Christ there is indeed a wealth unsearchable – Eph. 3:8. There is a love that passes knowledge – Eph. 3:19.; a peace that passes understanding – Phil. 4:6-7, and a joy unspeakable – I Pet. 1:8.
“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable (inexpressible free) gift” – II Cor. 9:15. Whether we are able to tell all this gift is, and contains or not, we do have the wonderful privilege of giving thanks for all that we have and see in Him.
God has given mankind reasoning faculties, (Prov. 20:27) yet they must be submitted to the Holy Spirit in order to grasp what all He has in mind for us. I believe He would have us know that intelligence is a hindrance only if we allow it a place over God’s Word. We cannot allow any thing credence above, “thus saith the Lord.” Let us not permit anything to get in the way of faith – Prov. 3:5-7. All that reason contrary to faith are fools, in danger of shutting themselves out of God’s best blessings.
“I thank thee”
When Jesus spoke this as recorded in Luke 10, it seems to be a confession of full acknowledgment of God’s will, as well as an expression of praise. “That thou hast hid…and revealed…” Whatever God has hidden who can uncover? What He reveals who can hide? Prov. 25:2.
“Unto Babes”
We are given to know that spiritual awareness is not arrived at by human intellect, and not dependent on human reasoning – I Cor. 2:9-13. There are “babes” unlearned and learned that recognize their need, even helplessness in things spiritual, that are totally dependent on the Lord. These are privileged to receive in child-like faith, divine revelation. “For so it seems good in the Father’s sight.” REJOICE WITH JESUS!
