Our church is going through the New Testament together for the second time in as many years. I love the fact that so many of our family has been taking this to heart and participating in the challenge to read scripture daily. Each week our pastors read the same passages we read and share insights in ways I may not have seen before. It never ceases to amaze me when I read a scripture I have read multiple times before, God shows me something new. I do not know why I am surprised by that. He has been doing it ever since I became a Christian at the age of 12.

I was reading Matthew 10 recently and I cannot tell you how many times I have heard studies on Matthew 10:29-31. You know, the passage that says not one sparrow falls to the ground without God knowing, and the fact that God knows the very number of the hairs on our head. I have heard this passage used countless times to tell us that we do not need to worry because God knows our needs and is active in our lives.

But I rarely hear anyone do a study on the verses prior to this. Matthew 10:26-28 says, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ” (NIV)

The fact that Jesus came to earth to save mankind is not a secret to be kept, but something to be shouted from the rooftops. In this scripture he is letting the disciples know the things he is teaching them will be revealed in the light. Which is the good news of Jesus. But sin will also be revealed and brought to light despite the fact that so many people think their sins are secret and no one will find out.

It hurts my heart every time I hear another prominent Christian who has been caught in sexual sins. People like Ravi Zacharias, Josh Duggar, and more who have caused untold damage to the body of Christ by their actions. Not only did they somehow justify their sin, they deceived themselves into thinking that no one would find out. Their sins have been exposed for the world to see. How much more will God expose our sins on the day of judgment?

We as Christians should be holding out the truth of Jesus, who was sinless. He was tempted in the same ways we were. Satan dangled power, riches, and more in front of Jesus, and yet Jesus knew the will of his father and stayed true to the things of God. If Jesus came to our church and started listing our sins for the world to see, we would be horrified. Somehow we think that all those sins we do in secret will never be exposed.

But don’t be deceived. Jesus makes it plain that the one we should be afraid of is the one who can destroy both soul and body. How about you? Do you have hidden secret sin that may some day come to light? Do you bury your actions, thinking no one will know or see what you are doing? Bring them to the light and repent. Because only then will you find the freedom and joy that can be experienced in Christ.