Mysteries

 Greetings to you all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,

     Romans 16:25/27 says, “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:  To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.”

     We often have mysteries around in books and films and for the most part, people like a good mystery where the person who “did it”  is unknown until the surprise ending.   I recall that at one church where I served, each Christmas, there would be a small package on the front pew with my name on it and inside was a unique Christmas tree ornament.  There was no name as to who gave me the package.  Each year for several years, the package would appear, unsigned.  I tried to figure it out but was never certain as to who gave me the unsigned gift.  I have my suspicions as to who it is but do not know for sure.

     Paul concludes the epistle to the Romans with a doxology that is crammed full of important details and especially the blessings.  He also mentions a mystery.  Mysteries are mentioned in the Bible about a dozen or more times.  Scofield listed the mysteries as a footnote on Matthew thirteen.  Paul explains that a mystery is something that was hidden in the Old Testament but revealed now in the New Testament.  While many things were known through the writings of the Old Testament, there were some things that were not made manifest until after the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.  I have trouble keeping a secret but God has no trouble keeping one.  Sometimes, i say, “Well, God only knows.”  One obvious secret that is still not known is the day of the rapture of the church.  We can say that each day is one day closer to it but we cannot come up with the day that it will occur.  The signs of the times are more and more evident and we can see that it would not take too much for everything to be lined up, but God still is the only One that knows the day it will take place.  I imagine that there are many things that we might like to know even about our own lives but God only knows those also.  It was assumed that I was going to pass on from this life after my last spell in the hospital but God had other plans. I can plan for this or that, but that doesn’t make it happen.  My plans are often futile as again, God has His plan in effect for my life.  God has His plans for your life, your spouse, your children, your occupation and who you will meet in your life.  Psalm 139 says He knows every thought in your mind. Praise God the He still has the answers to all of the mysteries in our lives.