What we understand versus what we don’t

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. – Deuteronomy 29:29

The term sovereign is a biblical word. Found 19 times in the Old Testament, God is referred to as Sovereign LORD. But what does that mean? John Calvin, the French reformer and theologian with one of the most brilliant minds ever to explore Scripture, used to say that God speaks to us as parents engage in “baby talk” when addressing their infant children, because that is the limit of our understanding.

Moses got about as close to God in the flesh as any mortal who ever lived prior to Christ’s coming, yet he wrote, “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” (Deuteronomy 29:29). Yet, going beyond what we know of God, the fact is that our knowledge of Him is limited and so finite.

Speaking personally, what I don’t understand isn’t as great an obstacle to my spiritual growth as what I fully understand but am reluctant to do. What we do understand is powerful, demanding and often requires personal discipline and sacrifice. Karl Barth, the renowned Swiss theologian, was once asked about the most profound thing he had learned in his theological studies. He thought for a moment and then replied, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” Students giggled nervously but realized he was completely serious.

What God has not revealed will be fully explained when we cross the threshold of heaven. No wonder Paul wrote, “Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Someday your questions will be answered, completely, and fully. Or else, it just won’t matter.

Used with permission from Guidelines International Ministries. To learn more about Guidelines and the ministry, send an e-mail to [email protected]. You may also visit www.guidelines.org.