Daniel 12:10
“Many will be purged, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand.”
This is a constant theme throughout scripture. Jesus is famous for it. He says it in Matthew 13:13, “This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’”
It took a long time for me to understand it. Here’s how I see it. God’s truth is precious. It will not be mocked or made fun of. Here’s how Jesus describes it in Matthew 7:6, “Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.” His truth is not for them. The earlier verse says that’s why Jesus speaks in parables, so they won’t understand.
When one doesn’t honor God, their thinking is darkened. Romans 1:21,22 says, “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools”. This has been so evident to me in the last decade. I’ve seen so many smart people act in foolish ways.
Can we reach these? Sure, but is rarely through words. We pray for them. Life heats up and some of them pray. God certainly used the pressure cooker of life with me. Words often don’t work with these, because their hearts aren’t ready. I can recall sharing Christ with some one. He was’t interested, so I was softening the message to make it more paletable to him. It didn’t work. I was casting pearls before swine.
If someone doesn’t have any conviction of sin, they don’t value the gospel. They need to understand God’s Law and His system of justice. It would produce conviction.
As we mature in Christ we grow in wisdom and discernment. Hebrews 5:14 says, “But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to distinguish between good and evil.” Part of this growth is growing in the exercise of our spiritual senses. The Holy Spirit gives us gut checks. Another is the peace of God in our hearts. He communicates with us in that area. When it is changed or disturbed our antenna goes up. Knowing His Word and it’s application is huge.
Thank You, Lord, for Your truth and Your ways. Help us to walk in it. Help us to reach out to others, praying for them.