THE DEPTH OF GOD'S WISDOM
READ Romans 11:26-36
Today I would like to share some thoughts from Romans 11:33-36, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! 34For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been His counsellor? 35Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen"
These verses, in their context, speak of God's glorious plan for the world. First, however, we must acknowledge the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge, while embracing the infinite nature of both His judgments and His ways. No one can grasp God's plan. No one knows the mind of the Lord. No one can be God's counselor. 1 Timothy 6:16, concerning Jesus Christ, states, "Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen." Believers do, however, have the mind of Christ. This does not mean that believers understand God and His ways perfectly, but it does mean that God reveals Himself and His truth to believers - enough of Himself and His ways to save us from sin, death, judgment, and hell. "For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:16)
Verse 35 speaks about asking if anyone has preceded God to give to Him, or is there anyone to whom God is indebted? The answers are obvious, no man can claim such a distinction. Finally, we have this great doxological ending to chapter 11, "For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen" God alone is the source, the means, and the end of all things. Because of this, God is to be glorified forever and ever. All things are of God: as all things were created by Him and find their source in God. All things are through Him: as all things come through His wisdom, His knowledge, His judgments, and His ways. All things are to God: all things exist for God, for His pleasure. "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4:11). "All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee" (Psalm 145:10).
“One Sunday on their way home from church, a little girl turned to her mother and said, 'Mommy, the preacher's sermon this morning confused me. The mother said, 'Oh? Why is that?' The little girl replied, 'Well, he said that God is bigger than we are. Is that true?' The mother replied, 'Yes, that's true, honey.' "And he also said that God lives in us? Is that true Mommy?' Again, the mother replied, 'Yes.' 'Well,' said the little girl, 'if God is bigger than us and he lives in us, wouldn't He show through more?'" May God shine through as we seek to glorify Him!
There are many things in this world that are not sure anymore. Nations, government, leaders, the economy, morals, character, and values seem to come and go with the winds of popular opinion. But through it all, one thing has remained stable, strong, and sure: that is God. God is in complete control of this world, ruling in the lives and events of every man who has ever lived. How can you be completely sure that God is in control? Because He has said so.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. How would you explain Romans 11:33?
2. How is it possible to have the mind of Christ?
3. God is eternal and infinitely wise. How do these two attributes make Him free from being indebted to anyone?
4. What are you doing in your life to magnify the Lord of glory?