In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore, whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the house tops. And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! Luke 12:1-5
Here is one of the strictest warnings in all of the Bible. Jesus, clearly is stating what detests God, what God hates is hypocrisy. Leaven in Scripture has more the one meaning. The leaven of the Pharisee’s is their doctrine (Matthew 16:12) and here in our text in Luke, their hypocrisy. The two things are inextricably linked together. The most sinister influence of the Jewish leaders was a pragmatic doctrine that made room for hypocrisy. They were too concerned with externals and ceremonies and the way things appeared, and not concerned enough with matters of the heart. Jesus sternly rebuked them for their hypocrisy again and again in the gospels. Nothing covered that will not be revealed— Jesus is making it clear to us, that there is no hidden sin, no secret counsels or agreements that will not be exposed when judgment comes. In fact Paul wrote to the Corinthian Christians about judging others, Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God ( 1 Corinthians 4:5) The inner motives, thoughts, and attitudes which only God can know, refering to rewards in heaven will be based on not just outward service, but on inward devotion. God the Father is very concered for you. And through Jesus Christ, gives us plenty of warning and chance to correct ourselves. By fearing God, and His judgment of sin, we don’t have to fear anyone, or anything else! We should be the most thankful people. God has not found us guilty of our sins before Him, because we believed His report. That we all have been found guilty of sin, and have not kept His commandments, But we have believed in Jesus Christ, and His offer of forgiveness by faith, and now stand before God justified, and righteous and approved unto God. Now we partake in eternal life, when one day, we will be rewarded for our acts of obedience because of His grace (unmerited favor) bestowed upon us. When we take heed to warning in His Word, we find great comfort and joy in what God is doing in our life. A work of great grace unto salvation, the saving of our souls.
Beloved friend, Do not fear what man can do to you, But rather fear Him, who after our death, has power cast in hell all those who refuse His offer of forgiveness of sin.
May the Lord bless your walk!
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