How to be content with what we know, instead of secrets unrevealed
By Dean Collins
We have a fascination with insider information. As the song from Hamilton suggests, we want to be in the room when it happens. And if we weren’t in the room when the plan was hatched, we certainly want a first-hand report from an insider. Of course, the problem we have is there is a lot of misinformation from second- and third-hand sources that is far from the truth.
The last verse of Deuteronomy 29 caught my attention this morning and started me thinking about how many times I wish God would share with me exactly how he plans to solve certain problems I am facing. If God would just email me a timeline of how and when certain prayer requests will be answered, I think I could plan better! I am even okay if he lets you know, too, as long as you give me that insider information when God sends you the email!
Belonging to God
Here is what Moses said: “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.”
Wouldn’t it be great to know the secret things that belong to God? But Moses was clear, and he had it from the top: The secret things belong to God. But the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever. The truth is, we don’t do a particularly good job with the things God has already revealed, so giving us more would probably not make things any better for anyone.
Words without knowledge
God’s interaction with Job has some relevance I think. Remember the beginning of the questions God asked Job? “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it?”
By the end of the conversation, Job understood clearly that the secret things do belong to God. Instead of pushing God for more or acting like he knew it all as his friends had done, Job repented and determined simply to trust God and follow Him.
Unsearchable judgments
Paul poetically described his understanding of God’s knowledge and his ways. “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” he exclaimed. “How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things.”
One day when we have all the time in the world, we can sit down and have a conversation and learn whatever secrets God then will share. Until then my plan is to repent over my frustration with God not telling me what I probably don’t really need to know. I will focus on doing a better job at the things he has clearly revealed in his Word. If we all did that, I suspect God’s will on earth would resemble what is going on in Heaven already.
Your time with God’s Word
Deuteronomy 29:29; Romans 11:33-36 ESV
Photo by Dima Pechurin on Unsplash
To receive daily posts delivered directly to your inbox, complete the form at the bottom of our home page.
