“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
–
Deuteronomy 29:29
Exposition:
Above all God's
creations, we are given an amazing brain capable of imagining things that we
would want without restriction. We are curious about new things, we like
challenges, confusions, and even horror for some time if we can resolve and
regain control over them. However, some things are beyond comprehension. Sometimes
we used our imagination to understand God. Scriptures forbid us to imagine a
different God other than the God revealed in the Scriptures. Rather, we are
commanded (not a suggestion or an advice) to study the Scriptures diligently to know Him more and more. The word
of God is an infinite treasure of wisdom, inexhaustible, timeless, sufficient
and beneficial for all those who seek to know.
With the Israelites, we
may wonder why God would bring a terrible judgment upon the stiff-necked Israelites?
Could He not give them a change of heart instantaneously? Or any question like,
“Why did God put the tree in the garden if He knew they would eat its fruit?” Those
questions aren’t bad per se, but if they lead us to doubt and deny God, we must
remember this verse: we are to seek and obey what is revealed in the Scriptures,
and not to try to fool ourselves by attempting to know the infinite wisdom of
God. Instead of asking ‘why?’ in our mind, we are supposed to study the Scripture
and confirm “So, it was.” God warned them of judgment for disobedience, they
disobeyed, and so, it was (that they were judged).
We must not reject God
or question His wisdom just because we don’t understand what He is doing. Our
puny brain cannot understand the infinite God. God is revealed in the Scripture
to be good, just, loving, merciful, and gracious. Would you humble yourself
before Him and trust His wisdom? As one Hymn says, “To be happy in Jesus is but
to trust and obey!”
Personal Reflection:
·
How often have I
got angry in trying to understand some circumstances of life when I should have
exercised trust and rest in God who has allowed them for my own good?
Personal Commitment:
·
To take delight
in His word to understand Him better, especially in trying times.
Prayer:
Lord,
help me to say like David, “I have quieted my soul before You. I do not seek to
understand which is too difficult for me.” I put my trust in You, Amen!