There is something about the unknown that sparks a strange kind of thrill, whether it is the scintillating mysteries of real or fictional works, existential unanswered questions, or untapped scientific and other bodies of knowledge. The unknown possesses the uncanny allure of being both frightening and emboldening, daunting, yet exciting. It makes us want to hide as we discover, flee as we pursue. It can be intimidating but exhilarating, inspiring curiosity while inciting dread. It is certainly not for the faint of heart. When it pertains to persons or things of interest or is somehow connected to us, it takes on a new dynamic – it becomes an enigma; information or facts we know exist, but whose details are obscure. It may elicit tepid indifference, frank curiosity, or a burning desire to uncover the pieces that crack the puzzle.
The Paradox
No one epitomizes the mystery of the unknown more than the matchless Creator of the Universe, the God Whose very nature embodies and defines mystique. Just a hint of His essence evokes novelty, exhilaration, and anticipation in a heart inclined toward Him. His multifaceted and multidimensional personality and operations add layers of complexity to His profundity, not to mention the many dichotomies that underscore His deity and monotheistic presentation. Amid the incontrovertible attributes that showcase His divinity is a startling truth: the God Who revealed Himself in and through creation continually seeks to do so through other divine undertakings (primarily through His Word – the Bible, and supplementary spiritual encounters). This is the same God Who shrouds Himself in mystery,1 a paradox that is as mystical as it is mind-boggling!
The Classifieds
The fact is, God has secrets only certain people are privy to. He does this, not in the furtiveness of harmful information-withholding, but in the wisdom of only unveiling depths of Himself to those who desire to know Him intimately. As no wise person gives pearls to pigs, no one divulges precious pieces of themselves to merely curious, casual acquaintances. Friendship and intimacy are usually only accessible to those who demonstrate shared values, genuine interest, and paramount pursuit. Similarly, increasing levels of intimacy, knowledge, and access are the exclusive preserve of those who passionately love and genuinely seek God.2
We see this beautifully expressed in the scenario created by the otherwise reticent Moses and his fervent request to see God’s glory.3 Moses wasn’t simply asking to see Him all decked in pomp and grandeur; He was asking to see Who He really was, beyond all that had already been revealed.4 Paul took it further (in typical over-the-top Pauline style!) with his impassioned expression of a deep longing to be consumed with Christ, affirming the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Him firsthand.5
The Perspective
Consider God’s perspective toward a keen pursuer …
🔎 Seeking Settler 🔍
He came without warning, made his way in. This seeking settler I had redeemed from sin.
Said My heart was his home; he’d come to stay. In the very center of my bosom his head he lay.
🔎🔍
He set out to know Me, this seeking one. My Word and My ways searched out my son.
Stayed perpetually in My presence, learning of Me. My transforming truth empowered and set him free.
🔎🔍
This seeking settler gave Me his heart. He knew I’d never leave him; he knew we’d never part.
He gave Me his life to melt and to mold, And came out refined, radiantly purer than gold.
🔎🔍
Now this seeking settler is the apple of My eye, You dare not touch him lest you die!
With angels I have surrounded him – He’s safe day and night, For in this child of Mine do I take great delight!6
The Program (DEI – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion)
The intent of all we have discussed so far is not to convey discouragement, condemnation, or exclusion from the thought of intimacy with God, but to encourage our pursuit of it. God does not reserve Himself for a select few, such as the exceptionally spiritual, the deeply disciplined, or the unusually gifted. His invitation to intimacy is to all7, but His secrets are revealed to certain people in response to their hunger and pursuit, not out of favoritism. He loves and desires intimacy with everyone, but only succeeds at that with those who consistently seek and draw near to Him in truth. His secrets are not hidden from us; they are hidden for us.
In part 2 of this series, we will delve into a few specifics of the stunning secrets of God. For now, suffice it to ask – have you accepted the invitation to become God’s confidant, in on His classified secrets, or have you largely ignored His request, becoming stuck on the outskirts of the general buzz?
The secret of the Lord is reserved for those who love Him …8
*For questions on how to get to know God personally through Jesus Christ, experience Him daily, or to learn how to access intimacy and friendship with Him, please email: graced@thewordofhisgrace.com
Bibliography
- 2 Samuel 22:12-13; Psalms 18:11-12; 2 Chronicles 6:1; Isaiah 45:15 ↩︎
- Psalm 25:14; Genesis 18:17-19; Isaiah 41:8; Matthew 13:11-12; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; John 7:17 ↩︎
- Exodus 33:18-33 ↩︎
- Psalm 103:7; Acts 33:13; Psalm 78:11; 106:22; Exodus 3:6-16 ↩︎
- Philippians 3:7-11 ↩︎
- Seeking Settler – A Poem Based on Psalm 91 © 1993 Grace D. Gana. See also Zech 2:8-9; Ps 34:7; Is 62:4; Zeph 3:17; Jer 32:41
↩︎ - Acts 2:39; Isaiah 44:3; 55:1; John 7:37-39 ↩︎
- Psalm 25:14 ↩︎