Mystery revealed.

So many teachings and words of advice come from the heart of man, rather than the Spirit of God. Job’s comforters are an example, who, with good will, thought they were helping Job with their comments on his plight. Amongst the weeds of most of their observations and opinions though, lie bouquets of beauty and wisdom.

Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens – what can you do?

They are deeper than the depths of the grave – what can you know?

Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.  (Job 11:7-9)

Rhetoric on Zophar’s part, but giving questions to be explored in the light of the New Covenant to which we have access!

The doxology from Romans 16:25-27 is an example of knowledge revealed in the New Testament – Now to Him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations may believe and obey Him – to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ. Amen.

In Job’s day, the full revelation of God’s character and plan for His people was not known. The Bible tells us that only in the End Times, as all the prophecies are fulfilled, will the mystery be fully understood. Unfortunately, for many it will be too late!

It is easy to be confused as we watch the News, and see evidences of war, disasters, man’s striving for self-fulfilment, for power and acclaim. We see the suffering of Israel and the plans of Islam, and we want to know truth, answers to the mysteries.

1 Corinthians 2:6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written:

“No eye has seen,

No ear has heard,

No mind has conceived

What God has prepared for those who love Him.” –

But God has revealed it to us by His Spirit.

Even in the times of Jesus, the mystery being unveiled was yet not understood by many.

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he told his readers that by God’s grace he was given insight that had not been shown to men in previous ages, but that by the Holy Spirit he was given the mandate to preach and teach. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 3:6) – and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. (v9)

The mystery was being made known to those who would believe, Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)

Yes, the mysteries of God merit exploration, and my prayer for those who consider it worth the effort is as Paul’s: that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled  to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:18,19)