Romans - Part 5: ELECTIONSample

The Category of “Mystery”

Clearly, there is much to unpack in Romans. I will not attempt to fully make sense of all that this book is saying. Although I do wonder if that is Paul's point, the knowledge of God is a mystery. We will never begin to fully understand God's thoughts. Many verses in the scripture tell us this, including:

“Such Knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.” Psalms 139: 6

“That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:2-3

“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Deuteronomy 29:29

In Romans 11:25-32, Paul explains that there was a partial hardening of Israel’s heart, so that there may be a mercy that will come upon the Gentiles that will bring salvation. The Israelites became enemies for the Gentile's sake, but God has not forgotten and will not forget His people and will fulfill the promises that He has given them. To us, this process of hardening the hearts of the Israelites might not make sense, but we do know God desires to have mercy on all people.

After Paul is done explaining all of this mystery, he has an automatic response; he immediately goes into praising God for the knowledge and wisdom that goes far beyond our human understanding. Even though Paul may not fully understand all of what God is doing, he’s okay with not knowing. Paul chooses to worship God, even with the gaps in understanding. Who are we to question what God is planning or doing?

Without God's thoughts and purposes, we are nothing. Without His thoughts, we wouldn't have air in our lungs or skin on our bones. God’s thoughts define our existence and it is a beautiful mystery.

I believe this passage is challenging us to make space in our hearts and minds; that's labeled “mystery.” Make space for faith! Trust in our All-Knowing God, that He has a plan for our lives and for the future of the world. God is inviting us to trust in His plan, today.

-Alyse Drainville