Covered Sin, Hardened Hearts

The same Lord who turns water to blood also turns the proud heart into a desert. Pharaoh sees signs and refuses obedience; the men of Nazareth hear wisdom and mighty works, yet stumble over the lowliness of the carpenter’s son. Wonders do not profit the man who will not repent. A hardened heart is not only Pharaoh’s danger; it is ours whenever we keep sin, excuse envy, or delay obedience.

Yet the way of life is open. The psalm does not bless the man who hides his sins well, but the man who confesses them and is cleansed: “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered” (Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book V). Covered sin is not concealed rebellion; it is guilt brought into the light and put away by the mercy of God. Therefore do not keep silence when your conscience is struck. Confess quickly, amend what you have done, and walk straight.

Isaiah joins mercy to judgment. The spoiler will be spoiled; the treacherous will reap what he has sown. But the righteous man has a sure dwelling. As Justin says, “The man who walks in righteousness, speaks in the right way, hates sin and unrighteousness, and keeps his hands pure from bribes, stops the ears from hearing the unjust judgment of blood closes the eyes from seeing unrighteousness: he shall dwell in the lofty cave of the strong rock” (Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho). Christ fed the hungry in the wilderness and sent out His servants with little in their hands. So let your repentance be visible: truthful speech, clean hands, bread shared, and steadfastness when others take offense at the Lord.