It was a visit not unlike many which we have had before. Neither of us given to small talk, we reached the point of the visit rather quickly ….
“So here’s the theological question I have been thinking about for some time…..”
A good discussion followed. We pulled out three different commentaries. Yes, we are a home given to commentaries. Funny part, not much light was shed on the subject matter at hand.
And then I said it ….
“There are some things we will never know.”
I don’t know how you feel when you hear those words, but they bring me such a sense of relief as does saying, “I don’t know.” Truth be known, you probably don’t know either.
There are some things our finite minds will never be able to wrap themselves around. Not ever. How can minds, which are limited to their specified number of days on earth, fully comprehend the greatness of an eternal God?
There are also those things which God did not reveal to us nor will for us to know. He puts it this way:
The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions. (Deuteronomy 29:29 NLT)
There are things we will never be able to understand or explain or describe or predict. Not ever. May we not become so prideful that we cannot admit our lack of understanding. May we not become so arrogant as to think we can explain all things. And may we never criticize or judge or ridicule another for asking a question. May we be humble, bow low and admit, “I just do not know.”
We don’t know those secrets because God has made them known to no one. Be sure and catch that – He has secrets known to no one.
Now here’s the second part of all this, there are things He has revealed to us and we are accountable for them and to obey.
God reveals things to His people by His Spirit …
But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.
(1 Corinthians 2:10, NLT).
Every single time we do have understanding, it is because His Spirit has revealed it to us. His Spirit is active in us to teach us those very things God desires for us to know.
So remember …
God reveals His deep secrets to us.
God also has secrets known to no one.
Let’s know when to say, “I don’t know.”
Today I am joining … Sharing His Beauty and Making Your Home Sing and Create With Joy and Motivation Mon. and Mon. Musings and Unforced Rhythms .
You know, sometimes I think He doesn’t reveal all to us in order to protect us. I think there is so much out there that would overwhelm us if we knew it all, that He loves us enough to keep it from us. Great post, Joanne!
Great thought, Holly. I am sure there is more to what He chooses not to reveal than we could ever realize. May we just come to a place of trusting Him with all things.
Yes! I am all about saying “I don’t know.” And I appreciate hearing others say it as well. God did reveal many things, but many not, and we are wisest when we recognize the difference. Thanks for sharing this, Joanne.
Like you, Lisa, there is something in hearing the admission, “I don’t know.” May we come to rest with the One who knows all things. Grateful you shared your thoughts!
Your statement -“There are some things we will never know”- used to completely scare and unnerve me! I hated not knowing everything :). Like you, I now can find relief in it. Thank you for this wonderful lesson in finding peace in the unknown, Joanne!
It’s funny how we can think we are more secure or safe when we know. And then we come to realize the relief which comes with resting in the only One who knows all things. Grateful to have connected today!
I just had a similar experience with a love one– where we had to agree that we just don’t know. My human nature also wants to understand, but it is so freeing to let Him be in control and just rest in His wisdom. You also give sage admonishments against pride and arrogance! Wonderful post, Joanne! Thank you!
Thank you. It is easy for our pride to stop us from admitting we do not know. There is a wonderful freedom which comes with the admission. Grateful you shared!
OH. Amen. I have found some hugely freeing moments and relief in uttering those words, too. I echo your prayers, that may we never been so proud to admit to not knowing …
And may we have the grace and humility to recognize when truth is revealed to us, for as you said, not all things are secrets. I find it so delightful, even if at times frustrating, that God is a mysterious God, that he has secrets, that he can’t be figured out. Thank you for this reminder, and thank you for sharing your words at UR.
Perhaps in all our quest for knowledge, He truly wants us to know that He is the only one who knows all things. May we come to rest in the wonder and mystery of our God. Grateful to join you at Unforced Rhythms!