Paul, in Romans 11, has been teaching on the perplexity he has around the Jews (God’s people), many of whom, had not received Jesus whilst many of the Gentiles were receiving Jesus and entering the promised Kingdom. However, Paul ends with this doxology which expresses His worship and trust.
‘Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counsellor?’ ‘Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?’ For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory for ever! Amen.’ (Romans 11:33-36)
Lesson: We are called to live a life in which our worship of God enables us to trust Him in all of the mysteries of life.
Worship is like a weapon and is key to the victorious Christian life. Our view of God effects everything. If we have a small view of God, our expectations and fears will be greatly effected. Those with a true and awesome vision of God in the mind and heart will face all of life’s mysteries with faith.
‘Oh the depths…’ Paul has a heart that is amazed at God’s depths. If we think of the vastness of an ocean or of space, the depths of these vast things are as nothing in comparison to God. Paul can worship God even in the grief that His people were rejecting God because He knows something of God’s depths.
Paul can say, “‘How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!’ Paul can say, even If I don’t understand or like what is happening, I will not judge God! I know that He is working for His good and His glory.
He can say, ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counsellor?’ I may have done things differently and my mind may not grasp the wisdom of events, however, I know that God’s thinking and wisdom are infinitely higher than mine!
Paul can say, “‘Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?’ He is humbled and understands that God owes me nothing. I’m not entitled to life being as I want it. Let your will be done!
Finally, he ends his outburst of praise with, ‘For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory for ever! Amen.’ Things may not be as I would want them. I may be grieving over my people who are rejecting their Saviour, but I know that His power, seen in creation, is sufficient to bring about His good, pleasing and perfect will. Amen
Response
We are called to live a life in which our worship of God enables us to trust Him in all of the mysteries of life. Worship does not promise to give us the answers to all of our problems and perplexities; however, it promises to reveal to us the One who can be trusted in all of our problems and perplexities. How can you lift the eyes of your heart above your challenges and grief through worship each day?
Together in September
In September, we are having two Together Evenings, on Wednesday the 6th and Wednesday the 13th from 7p.m. (When there will be a light meal provided).
We will be using this time to come together for worship, teaching and prayer with a view to re-launching community groups afterwards.
Please put these dates in your diary, we would love to see as many people there as possible.