“For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3 NKJ).
To be hidden with Christ has many different meanings. The English word hidden carries the connotation of concealment. We Christians are hidden from the judgment of God which is coming upon the earth.
Isaiah 26:20-21 tells us of a time when the Lord will come forth out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The word to the believer in this passage (v.20) is, “…enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment until the indignation is past” (NKJ).
In one of the parables regarding the discovery of a treasure in a field, our Lord says that the man who found the treasure hid it again until he could go and raise enough money to purchase the field for himself (Matt. 13:44). As believers we are hidden by the Lord for safekeeping to be united with Him at His Second Coming.
Sometimes we are hidden by the obscurity of our station in life. Not many Christians are prominent or conspicuous in our society. We are known to the Lord even though we are unknown to the world.
Some are hidden by a reticent disposition. Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus each came to Jesus secretly and by night to avoid open criticism. They ultimately overcame their fears, but for them their initial inquiry into the Christian walk was a day of small beginnings.
We are hidden from any evil devisings of our adversaries. In Psalm 27:5 David says of the Lord: “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion….” Our being hidden in Christ is our protection from the evil one. Oh, safe retreat!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.