Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward. Matthew 10:26-42
The more I hike, the more I realize how many things are hidden in the outdoors. I really enjoy seeing some of them whilst out there, and having that “Oh, wow!” moment. That may be one of the reasons I tend to hike more slowly than I used to. I seem to see some of the hidden things along the way.
No doubt the above pictured bird nest was well hidden a few months before I took this photo. Not anymore. Sort of like some of the brilliant color we see in the fall. It is there all summer, but hidden from our view until just the right time. (see Fall Colors).
In the prison recently, a question was presented to the inmates: what things do you fear? The answers were varied and interesting. When it came to my turn, I read the above Scriptures in Matthew 10, about what, or Who, to fear. I reckon if we fear God, all the other things pale in comparison, and in many cases aren’t really worth wasting time on.
It is sobering to know that things which are now hidden will one day be revealed. I for one want to be ready for that, and have my sins under the blood of the Lamb.
Not sure how to do that? See Got God?
I hope you get to see some hidden treasures on your next hike.
Have a great day.