God’s Epic Mystery Revealed
The Bible speaks often about the mysteries of God. The English word "mystery" has grown and changed through the centuries. Today when people hear the word "mystery" they think of something that is strange or not understood. The Greek word translated as "mystery" speaks about something unknown in the past that has been revealed today. The Scriptures hinted for thousands of years that God had a great plan in the works. The Old Testament is a grand, epic story that whispers, "God has something great in the works.” As the Old Testament unfolds, piece by piece it shows God’s great power at work. It describes how God used many people in His grand and mysterious plan. In case you are wondering what God’s great mystery deals with, it is mankind. To be specific, it is the problem of sinful and lost mankind.
The Bible starts with the story of creation. God made this universe and all the things that are in it. While this world has many problems today, it was not always like that. When God finished His creative work, Genesis 1 declares that everything was good! The problem is that things did not stay that way. Genesis 3 speaks of mankind sinning. As a result, this world has been on a downhill trek ever since. The good news is that God has a plan to redeem and restore His creation, mankind included. The mystery of the ages has been: How will God accomplish this great restoration project? From the very beginning, God said that He would provide a Messiah. In ancient times, the idea of Messiah brought to mind an appointed deliverer - one who would restore past glory and deliver salvation.
The Bible is a great epic that speaks of the Messiah. This great coming one will conquer evil and bring God’s people home. Throughout the Old Testament, prophets shared God’s message regarding the Messiah, though God never gave all the details of His plan in one discussion. That is why it is called the mystery of God. Stroke by stroke, God painted an amazing picture of who the Messiah is and what He would do. This is why men and women must read the Bible. The words of Scripture are essential to knowing and following God. The Bible is the greatest book ever written! In it, God gives us insights into the ancient past. He tells us that something great and life-changing has and is taking place. God wants us to know that there is a majestic future waiting to be revealed. God invites us to be involved because we have a part to play in His redemptive plans. Christianity tells us that there is an Author of all things and that He is good. It tells us that God is the essence of all that is right, beautiful, and true. We have been given longings and desires that only God can fulfill. We are called to walk with the King of the Universe. We are given the blessings of Heaven. How is all of this done? Through the Messiah! This is the great message of the New Testament.
The Bible is a book with two halves. The Old Testament is the half that predicts and gives the great message that the Redeemer Messiah is coming. The New Testament is the half that says the Redeemer Messiah has come! All of this comes together in the Gospel message. Colossians 1:26-27 says: “The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The unknown specifics of how God would save, redeem, and restore mankind are now known. The mystery is now made clear. God made mankind to have fellowship with us. God has showered His love on His creation. Even though sin and corruption threatened to destroy what God made, God has offered us a way back.
We live in a world that struggles with sin and brokenness. People are frantically searching for purpose, peace, and meaning. God seeks all of us out, but the sad truth is that many people have rejected God’s truth. God has provided a way back to Him, and all people have to do is accept God’s gracious gift of life. How are you doing? God’s epic mystery is revealed. Will you turn to Him and walk in His way? Keep looking up!