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 Gratitude for Mystery and Mercy


Prayer and praise at General Assembly 2023.



Scripture:


Rom. 11:25    So that you may not claim to be wiser than you are, brothers and sisters, I want you to understand this mystery: a hardening has come upon part of Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And so all Israel will be saved; as it is written,

“Out of Zion will come the Deliverer;

he will banish ungodliness from Jacob.”

27 “And this is my covenant with them,

when I take away their sins.”

28 As regards the gospel they are enemies of God for your sake; but as regards election they are beloved, for the sake of their ancestors; 29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. 32 For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.


Rom. 11:33    O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord?

Or who has been his counselor?”

35 “Or who has given a gift to him,

to receive a gift in return?”

36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.


Observation:


Paul is getting personal now, and admonishes the Romans to live in humility. What has happened in the world is truly a mystery, and should be received as such. The first time this word "mystery" is used in Hebrew is in relation to king Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams. This is apocalyptic writing. Mystery is revealed in and through God, who alone knows how it all pans out. Paul is reiterating the beauty of what it means to be grafted into the family of God. This is the sign of a merciful God. 


Finally, Paul steps back a moment and prays. His heart is full of gratitude for mercy and the great mystery. We do not understand his ways, for we do not have the mind of the Lord. Everything that we see, know, and understand comes from, through and to our God. He is our source, sustainer, and goal of all things. Therefore, we give God all the glory. 


Application:


We live in a world that wants to be able to explain everything. Then, we are invited into a faith where there is mystery. There is so much about life and creation that we cannot explain, and it seems the more that we study, the greater the mystery. The other day I saw a clip from the TV show, “Young Sheldon.” His mother is struggling with her faith, and Sheldon shares about what he can explain, and then a little mystery. “There are 5 billion people on this planet, but you are the perfect mom for me — what are the odds?”




I think the reason that Paul breaks out in prayer is because he is filled to overflowing with gratitude for God, whom we simply cannot explain. When the world is trying to give us reasons for everything, I find great joy in relaxing in faith. I know I can’t explain it, and I know I don’t deserve his grace, but I can peacefully rest in God’s holy presence. 


Mercy was extended to the Jews, and then also to the Gentiles. All of this from the one who is our source, our sustainer, and goal of all things. That mercy reaches out to us all today, and our response should not be to try and figure it all out, but to receive it with a heart full of gratitude.


Prayer:


Lord, I join with Paul today in stopping for a moment, and simply meditating on you and the mystery of you. May you always receive the glory! Amen.   

Comments

  1. prachiDecember 10, 2024 at 2:10 AM

    I love how the concept of mystery is highlighted in this passage. In a world where everything seems to demand explanation, we are reminded that God's wisdom and ways are beyond our understanding. Instead of striving to understand everything, we are called to trust and have faith.
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  2. dikshaDecember 10, 2024 at 2:10 AM

    The idea that God's gifts and calling are irrevocable gives such assurance. No matter how disobedient we may be, God's mercy is constant and His plans for us cannot be undone. His faithfulness is truly remarkable.
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  3. Nishi8171December 10, 2024 at 2:11 AM

    Paul’s expression of gratitude for God’s mercy is so relatable. In a world that often seeks to control and explain everything, it’s a relief to rest in the mystery of God's grace and the understanding that we don’t need to have all the answers to experience His love.
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  4. muskanDecember 10, 2024 at 2:11 AM

    The connection between mercy extended to both Jews and Gentiles is beautiful. It reminds us that God's plan for salvation is inclusive and all-encompassing. His mercy is available to all who seek it, regardless of their background.
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  5. gautamDecember 10, 2024 at 2:11 AM

    This passage also serves as a reminder to stay humble. We are not the ones who control the outcome of God's plan; we are simply partakers of His mercy. Our role is to trust and respond in gratitude, not to try to explain or predict His ways.
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  6. somyaDecember 10, 2024 at 2:11 AM

    I appreciate the observation about how Paul steps back in awe and prayer. It's a great example for us to follow. When we encounter the depth of God's wisdom and mercy, our first response should be one of awe, gratitude, and worship.
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