Only God Knows (Deuteronomy 29:29)
Our reflection today centers on a profound truth revealed in Deuteronomy 29:29: "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law." While God has graciously revealed much to us through His Word, there remain mysteries known only to Him. This reality should inspire both humility and trust in our walk of faith. Let us explore some of these profound areas that reside solely within God's infinite knowledge.
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This verse sets the stage for understanding the limits of our human comprehension and the boundless wisdom of our Creator. While we are called to understand and obey what God has revealed, we must also acknowledge and find peace in the things that remain hidden within His perfect knowledge.
1. Only God knows the human heart (Jeremiah 17:10)
"I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve." Jeremiah 17:10 reminds us that God possesses an unparalleled insight into the depths of the human heart. He sees beyond outward appearances, beyond the masks we wear, and knows our deepest intentions, motivations, and desires. Unlike us, who often judge by what we see, God searches the heart and examines the mind, rendering judgment based on true understanding.
2. Only God knows the day and hour of the end (Matthew 24:36)
"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." Jesus Himself, in Matthew 24:36, makes it clear that the precise timing of the end times is known only to God the Father. This knowledge is withheld even from the highest created beings. Our focus should not be on futile speculation about the future but on living faithfully and being prepared for Christ's return at any moment.
3. Only God knows the future exactly (Isaiah 46:10)
"I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’" Isaiah 46:10 reveals God's unique ability to declare the end from the beginning. His knowledge of the future is absolute and comprehensive. Because everything is under His sovereign control, He can declare what will happen with perfect certainty. Our trust rests in His foreknowledge and His unfailing plan.
4. Only God knows the full purpose of pain and trial (Romans 11:33)
"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!" Romans 11:33 expresses the unfathomable depths of God's wisdom and knowledge, particularly in His judgments and ways. We often grapple with the "why" behind our pain and trials, but their full purpose is often beyond our understanding. We must trust that God, in His infinite wisdom, uses even these difficult situations for our ultimate good and His glory, even when we cannot see the full picture.
5. Only God knows the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29:11)
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 offers a comforting glimpse into God's heart for us. He has plans for our lives, plans for good and not for harm, plans that ultimately lead to hope and a future. While we may not always know the specifics of His plan, we can rest assured that our destiny is held in the hands of a loving and wise God who directs our paths with purpose.
6. Only God knows the number of our days (Psalm 139:16)
"Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16 reveals the intimate knowledge God has of our lives, even before we are born. The number of our days is already written in His book. This truth reminds us of the preciousness of each moment and encourages us to live our lives in a way that honors the One who has ordained our existence.
7. Only God knows who His true servants are (2 Timothy 2:19)
"Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”" 2 Timothy 2:19 assures us that despite the presence of hypocrisy and unfaithfulness, God's foundation stands sure, and He intimately knows those who truly belong to Him. True faithfulness, even when hidden from human eyes, is fully known and recognized by God.
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Conclusion:
The reality that only God knows the secret things should not lead to fear or anxiety, but rather to a deeper sense of humility and trust. We acknowledge the limitations of our human understanding while embracing the boundless wisdom and perfect knowledge of our Heavenly Father.
Let us diligently seek to understand and obey what He has revealed to us in His Word. And for the things that remain hidden, let us rest in the assurance that they are held securely in the hands of a God who loves us, whose plans are perfect, and whose knowledge is infinite. May we live each day in faithful obedience to what we know, trusting the One who knows all things. Amen.
