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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Last week we looked at a few reasons why God might “hide” himself (Is. 45:15) or cloak his words in ambiguity. (Matthew 13:11-17) One not mentioned, and not entirely germane to this discussion, might be to protect us from his all-consuming “otherness.” (Exodus 33:12-23) More to the point though, people of all ages have seen, heard – and even touched – the object of their devotion and failed to :…recognize the time of God’s coming…” Luke 19:44 (Some coming to faith in Christ only after his ascension to heaven and a second look at the prophecies fulfilled. – See 1 Peter 1:24 & John 12:16 And then there are all of us who came to faith solely by the revelation of scripture. John 20:29) The word of God “broadcast” universally, but received differently; either because of a sin-nature so thoroughly entrenched or lack of interest so deeply embraced that they became entirely insensitive to its message – Satan immediately snatching it away (2 Corinthians 4:3,4), or because of a lack of depth in personality and spiritual inquisitiveness – they respond joyfully to its reception initially but quickly lose interest – especially when the troubles of life interrupt their half-hearted quest for understanding, others more specifically falling victim to the issues of acquiring and maintaining wealth – the desire for other “things” crowding out their desire for God. (See Matthew 19:23 & 1 Timothy 6:9,10) Finally, some see and practice, hear and comprehend, believe and obey. (Luke 4:3-8 & 13-20)
The, “…mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations,…” has now been disclosed in and through Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:25,26; if we will but take the time to consider and acknowledge the evidence of scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Which does not necessarily mean going to our Bible in an attempt to construct a theology explaining every aspect of his nature; knowing God involving familiarity with him – certainly through his word – but experiencing relationship, developing dependence and devotion, expressing loyalty and dedication – all part of the “package” of knowing God.
So often in our attempt at knowing God, “… we tend immediately to reduce God to manageable terms,… We want to get him where we can use him. We want a God we can in the same measure control. We need the feeling of security that comes from knowing what God is like.”1But the template we use and try to force him to conform to is us! That’s what Jesus experienced and resisted with the Pharisees of his day, what history exposes of Catholicism before, during and even after the Reformation, and what can be seen among many Protestant Churches today. (Sadly, the pronouncement of Matthew 23:13 being realized in all three movements at different times in various ways.)
The Law had its place, intending to convince people of their dire lack and need of “saving”, driving them to God in repentance and worship; which became – over time – a routine allowing them to duck responsibility and opportunity. (Missing the point of their personal need of a “scape-goat.” Leviticus 16:10) “The secret things” revealed to the Israeli’s, at least in part, through “Thou shalt” and “Thou shalt not” (Deuteronomy 29:29), which was meant to bring them to a point of intentional, purposeful obedience – not because they had to but because it was the right thing to do. (See Hosea 6:6, Micah 6:8 & Matthew 12:7) Like repeatedly telling a child, and occasionally disciplining them when they lapse into disregard and disobedience, that they should share and absolutely must not hit; with the expectation that you won’t still be doing that when they’re grown.
The Law did indeed require the shedding of blood for cleansing from sin. (Hebrews 9:22 & Leviticus 17:11) Which was only a shadow of that which was to come. (Hebrews 9:11,12 & 10:1) “…the word of God in its fullness – the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed…” and “made known” as “Christ in you…” Colossians 1:25-27 (See also Luke 24:25-27) A knowledge of God that is indeed accessible by us, but not easily acquired. Pastor Arthur Pick asserting, “The Bible doesn’t yield its meaning to lazy people.”2; nor to dabblers looking for quick and easy answers to profound questions; to the casual observer who expects to be accommodated in his need and desires. Scripture promising, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 As “I will be found by you, declares the Lord,…” because I want to be found. (See Deuteronomy 4:29) It’s not so easy as to take no effort at all, but the path is clear enough to be followed if we make the effort to look and step out on it in faith – following where it leads.
But just as the Lord, “…came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10; not every lost person responds appropriately to his call to repent as a condition of forgiveness and redemption; many not accepting the guarded but unmistakable revelation of Jesus as God’s Son, our Lord and Savior. (See an interesting caution about protecting what is sacred – our Pearl of great prince – from the “pigs” of disbelief. How we handle God and His word evidently being extremely important. The gospel certainly open to all, but not to be treated so commonly as to be taken for granted and treated without respect. Matthew 7:6) Paul succinctly summing up the mystery of godliness to Timothy when he wrote, “He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16; which reinforced his comments to the church in Corinth where he stated, “Now brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel… which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sis according to the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures,…”; and is now seated at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 & Ephesians 1:20
In closing, I’ll let Paul have the final say through his letter to the Roman Church. “Now to him who is able to establish you by (the) 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 might believe and obey him – to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.” Romans 16:25-27
1From Mark Galli’s Jesus Mean and Wild – the unexpected love of an untamable God, Baker Publishing
2Quoted by Lois Tverberg in Walking In The Dust of Rabbi Jesus, Zondervan Publishing
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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