"Out of the Dark"...

Now this meaning is consistent with what scripture has to say on the topic. In Luke 12:2-3 Jesus says: "There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs."

In many ways this saying serves as a warning to those who feel that their illegal or immoral behavior, also known as sin, will forever go unnoticed or unpunished. Now, this doesn't necessarily mean that the secret behavior will be exposed for all to see, but what it does mean is that because no man is an island, the aftershock of one's clandestine behavior will eventually be felt by some innocent soul or souls in our lives.

But just as it is with many principles in God's word, this too is neutral in nature. What makes the difference as to whether the result will be for good or for evil is not the principle itself, but rather the life of the one that puts the proverbial ball in motion. For instance, this phrase could also mean that the results of all the hard work and effort that is being put into the achievement of some admirable goal will one day come to the attention of those who were never cognizant of the tremendous amount of sacrifice and determination that was being made "in the dark." To the world, this individual would be considered an overnight success. But to the one who trained tirelessly day in and day out, beyond the scrutiny of the watchful eye of the public, it was merely the result of the light being shed on what for so long was being "worked out" in the dark. And this is the way it is with our spiritual development as well. The true test of one's spiritual maturity lies not in what is always seen above the surface, but that which is taking place underground hidden from view.  

So the question that we as followers of Jesus need to ask is simple. What are we as believers working on in our dark places? Is it something that once it reaches the surface for all to see will bring glory to God and joy to our loved ones? Or is it something that once it reaches the light of truth will bring shame and disgrace? Remember, the outcome is in our hands.

Charles A. Tapp

Senior Pastor 

WAU Russian Bible Translation Project Event