Thursday, July 28

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

     How unsearchable his judgements,

     and his paths beyond tracing out.

Who has known the mind of the Lord?

     Or who has been his counselor?

Who has ever given to God

     that God should repay him?

For from him and through him and to him are all things.

     To him be the glory forever!  Amen."  (Romans 11:33-36)

This doxology concludes what many commentators describe as the heavily theological first 11 chapters of Romans, in which Paul has covered many deep topics including sin, grace, election, and sanctification.  In conclusion, he reflects all these topics back on God's character and the (positively viewed) mystery of His mercy.

Yesterday, I read through a blog post about overcoming doubt (https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/7-ways-to-deal-with-doubt).  In the article, the author suggested that we should "embrace the mystery" of God's presence.  This passage echoes that sentiment, in which Paul recognizes his inability to understand everything but trusts in the sovereign grace and awesome love of God.

In an increasingly technologically sophisticated world, we have become experts in understanding the "how-to" and "what" of this world.  According to Max Lucado, we have become increasingly ignorant as to the "why" of this world.  In some ways, the beauty of technology is the "black box" or "virtual reality," which provides us escape from those deeper existential questions that might instill some degree of panic. Our distant ancestors stared into the star-filled heavens or watched the uncontrollable power of an oncoming storm and instantly realized their smallness and dependence on greater forces.  On the other hand, we may seemingly "control" reality through a five-inch screen that brings us everything our minds could dream, curated by us to bring consistent pleasure.

I understand that this description oversimplifies our lives today; there is certainly plenty of chaos that should and does drive us towards the "dependent dignity" that honors God and brings us wholeness.  Yet, we will do well to emphasize and celebrate the boundless mystery of God because it will draw inexorably into worship.

Please consider the vastness of the universe, the amazing complexity of DNA, the heights of the mountains, the depths of the oceans, the power of love, the sweet aroma of freedom, and the warmth of family and friends.  God has created all of these with just a single word from His lips.  He sovereignly controls it all now and direct all these forces for His good purposes.  We may see His awesome beauty in every single moment.

How have you seen God's mystery today?  How may you celebrate His awesome power, love, grace, or holiness today?  How could you encourage your family and friends to take a similar look?

Lord God, thank You for Your awesome power, love, grace, and holiness.  We will never understand even a portion of Your mysterious ways, but we thank You for making us the beneficiaries of Your sovereign care nonetheless.  Reveal Your truth to our hearts and minds so that we may embrace You more fully and bring glory to Your Name.  In Jesus's Name, amen.