Do you enjoy a good mystery? A good mystery is one that intrigues and perplexes-it takes the mind on a journey of puzzles, paradoxes, riddles and secrets-- all these are elements of what we call "mystery," seeking the hidden things on our way to truth.

However, when "mystery" is applied to everyday life-- to our paycheck, or to our marriage, or to the contents of the dinner on our plate--we are not quite so enamored with "mystery." It is 10 p.m.- and we want to know where our children are! That is a mystery we can do without!

We like to have a "handle" on day-to-day life; and when we don't have a grasp on these essential things, life can get pretty frustrating.  That is why God gives us a clear picture of who he is and what he does. God does not want to "leave us in the dark" about anything. So over the centuries, God revealed his Word to us. Nature does not reveal enough about God: it may suggest a powerful creator, so God worked through the prophets to define and declare our Lord. Most importantly, he announced that he is a merciful God, who would lead us to an intimate relationship with him, saving us from the terror of death and the shame of sin.

Although God reveals himself in the Bible, we have to confess that there are plenty of "holes" in our knowledge.  These truly are "mysteries"-in fact, the Bible refers to them as such. God by himself is a mystery-that eternal essence is more than finite minds can comprehend. We recognize that we are sinners-but why is there sin in the first place? We know God is almighty-so why do we have to endure so much, especially if we are loved by him? We can understand the idea of Jesus dying for our sins-but couldn't there have been an easier way? God gave his Son to be the Savior of the world-and yet God informs us that there will be many more who reject this salvation than embrace it. Why?  These are only a few of the questions that seem to have a simple answer, and yet have no rational answer at all.

What do you do with the "mysteries" of the Bible? Ironically, "believers" and "non-believers" sometimes insist on doing the same thing-finding a "rational" explanation for all things. They only frustrate themselves in their efforts. As a result, some are confirmed in their unbelief, while others begin to make explanations for that which was not meant to be explained. Still others will try to eliminate "mystery" altogether by immersing themselves in their own experience, as if that could assist or replace what God has given in his Word.

The Bible directs us to hold to its answers by faith. The Bible does not "hem and haw" about the lack of rational explanations. It states matters clearly. Mankind is a hopeless lot, steeped in sin, and wandering aimlessly without a goal in search of truth. God's purpose is to break into humanity, bringing his righteousness to bear, forgiving sins, and awakening our hearts to the hope that God is able to give. 

The answer to every "mystery" in the Bible is faith.  Faith itself is a mystery.  Faith is based on the knowledge God has revealed; and yet that same source of knowledge tells us that we cannot know all things. At some point, God calls us to launch off in faith. Indeed, the Bible defines faith as "The essence of things hoped for, and the evidence of things unseen." (Hebrews 11:1).  Think about that statement carefully. Faith indeed is a mystery. 

Faith is central to the mystery of God. In life we are so dependent on facts and figures and proof-that is the way God designed us to be as the ultimate crown of his creation. It is ironic, then that when it comes to knowing him, God calls us to respond in faith. Yet this is God's way of leading us away from what we "think is right" to what is truly right in God's eyes.

The Bible declares that we are saved by faith. As God called us to be his own, he directed our eyes to the salvation which is found in Christ Jesus. In a very simple way, the Bible states that "The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is salvation through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23), and "God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). What a simple, but profound message.

More mysteries? How does God bestow this gift of faith? Faith comes where God's Holy Spirit is at work. The Holy  Spirit is at work where his Word is taught, where his Word is spoken, where the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper are faithfully administered; in every place where God promises to bestow and strengthen faith, he will deliver. And where there is faith, there is God's eternal life.

A shepherd guides his flock to the waters and the pastures; it is not essential to the sheep that they know where they are going or why exactly they should trust the shepherd. Wisely, we entrust the mysteries of God to God; in faith we follow the one who will bring us safely home.

Blessings in Christ, 

Pastor Eric Zacharias