“The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach” are the words of Luke concerning Jesus and His work while on earth (Acts 1.1). We will continue our series of lessons in the month of August on, “Jesus Began to Do and Teach”. Jesus taught on many things while on earth, and the subjects that were not covered were left for the third person of the Godhead to complete (Jesus would tell His disciples, “’I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth…’” (Jn. 16.12-13a)). Some of the things He taught on were subjects demonstrating things mankind cannot hide from.

In Luke 7.35, Jesus said this: “But wisdom is justified by all her children”. Contextually, the Pharisees and lawyers were rejecting the baptism of John by not being baptized by him (Lk. 7.29-30). They were ultimately rejecting God’s will for their salvation. The people of that generation were being immature and irrational. Jesus likened them unto children (being immature) and not thinking clearly and therefore showing themselves to be unworthy of salvation. Here was the problem: the baptism of John was from God and they were rejecting the will of God against themselves (Matt. 21.23-27).

It was obvious the religious leaders of Jesus’ day could not hide from the wisdom they were refusing to apply to their lives. This is true for us today some two thousand years later. When we make decisions, it is either from the wisdom above or the wisdom below. These are the only options. James, our brother, had these words to say: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3.13). For this reason, we must seek God’s wisdom and not lean upon our own understanding (Pro. 4.7). We should not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Eph. 5.17). We are our decisions (and at times the decisions of others) and therefore we should seek God’s will and make the choice He would make.

Jesus spoke of being diligent and operating wisely in this life in Luke 21.7-19. As it related to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the end of time, He instructed them to be aware or take heed that you are not being deceived (Lk. 21.8). He warned them of false teachers being in their midst and what they would espouse (Lk. 21.8-9). He gave insight to the problems men would have with one another and natural calamities in the earth (Lk. 21.10-13). Yet He gave them encouragement to settle or establish their hearts to speak those things given to them (Lk. 21.14-15). God knew exactly what was going on and they were commanded to endure or be steadfast and possess their soul (Lk. 21.19).

To possess our souls today means to be persuaded by the truth of God’s word. Every person must be persuaded in their own mind (Rom. 14.23). We must strive to be persuaded by sound words and hold fast to them as Paul told Timothy (2 Tim. 1.13). We cannot hide behind the fact of being hard-hearted to the sound words of God. James instructed the brethren to be easily intreated or persuaded (James 3.17). Having the “willing to yield” attitude is most beneficial and when the trials of life come (in whatever form they come), one is ready with the Lord’s help. When the trials and temptations of life come, this is not the time to buckle under the pressure. Remember: “By your patience possess your souls” (Lk. 21.19). Paul understood this when he was addressing the Corinthians the second time saying, “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…” (2 Cor. 4.8-9). In other words, “hang in there” are the sentiments and words of our great Lord. We cannot hide from stability in the form of retreat and surrender.

We cannot hide from the cross of Christ good brethren. As Jesus was on the cross, suspended in the air between two malefactors, He could not hide from the shame and ridicule before Him (Lk. 23.26-43). Jesus was willing to be sin, even though He knew no sin, to reconcile mankind back to God (2 Cor. 5.18-21). He was willing to become a curse for man as He hung on that tree (Gal. 3.13). Jesus could not hide from the fact of being on the cross and labeled as a sinner for His conscious creation. Are we willing to take up our cross as Jesus did (Lk. 9.23)? Paul was crucified with Christ; are we willing to let that be known as well (Gal. 2.20)? Friends, we cannot hide from the cross and be found faithful to God. We have to be willing to suffer for the cause of Christ (1 Pet. 4.16).

Finally brethren, let us be known for what we are willing to give up in order to be like the One who gave up all to be like us (2 Cor. 8.9). We cannot hide from the wisdom we apply; it is either godly or not. We cannot hide from the lack of steadfastness if we are being cowardly, immature and irrational. Lastly, we cannot hide from the cross if we make the claim to those around us as being followers of Christ. Just a few things we cannot hide from. God is true.