A Few Good Clues
A Few Good Clues
Have you ever started reading a mystery novel only to quit in frustration less than halfway through?
Maybe there were too few clues—or the clues were absurd. The plot never thickened, the characters never developed. And the author seemed determined to leave the reader in the dark.
We give up on books like that because the mystery alone does not excite us. We can never get interested if we are left ignorant. To hold our attention, a good mystery novel must be sprinkled with facts, hints, information, clues.
God has mysteries, too. In Deuteronomy 29:29, Moses writes: “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.”
It’s obvious God keeps many things secret. He conceals things so that He may be magnified through His people’s trust in the midst of darkness and uncertainty.
Ah, but mystery alone could never excite our faith. No genuine spirit of trust in God could possibly spring out of ignorance. So, God does a marvelous thing in order that we might follow His words as expressed in Deuteronomy.
God alternates the hidden things with the revealed.
He keeps the mystery intact, but occasionally defines truth for us. He maintains secrets, but every once in a while, spells out some facts. It is that which excites our faith, stimulating us to trust Him all the more. He rouses and stirs our interest when He occasionally reveals reasons behind our disappointments or painful circumstances.
On the other hand, He tests and braces our faith when He chooses not to reveal the plot line. Truth, when veiled, calls out for a higher faith, a more childlike obedience than when the mystery is explained. When our trust in God stands the strain of great mysteries, He is glorified. So are we.
As for me, I’m happy the secret things belong to the Lord. I’m glad He doesn’t explain everything. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have the chance to simply trust Him. But I’m also pleased He chooses to reveal certain things. He gives clues. He gives facts. He hints of greater, even more marvelous things just over the horizon. And that stimulates more excitement to keep following Him.
I can’t wait to see how it’s all going to turn out.