Mysteries Revealed

(NIV)1 Corinthians 2:6-10
We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. [7] No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. [8] None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. [9] However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”---the things God has prepared for those who love him--- [10] these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

I really like this verse from Paul. In keeping with yesterday's theme of the secrets or mystery of the Kingdom, Paul is explaining how one of them was the salvation of the world, Jews and Gentiles. Up until Peter's experience with the Centurian's household, and his earlier vision, no one had figured out that salvation also included the gentiles. Scripture is quite clear in the old testament, about the fact that there will be an expansion of God's blessing over the whole world, but I think that the Jewish people didn't understand that meant they would be grafted in and equal members in the Kingdom with them.

Apparently the enemy and those in power really didn't understand the whole deal either. The translated phrase 'rulers of this age' could be better translated rulers, authorities and princes in power during this period of time within the universe. This does not just mean civil authorities, but can also encompasses the spiritual realm as well. So expanding that, the local Jewish authorities didn't understand it, the regional Roman authoirites didn't understand it, and the spirits in authority over the region didn't understand it either, if any had fully grasped the full truth of what God was really doing they would have done anything they could to stop its fulfillment. That appears to be what Paul is saying, not so much that they didn't recognize that Jesus was the Lord of Glory, but that if this amazing plan of God was realized it would bring about the destruction, or defeat of that which kept them in power. Pastor Bill Johnson says that if satan would have figured out what God was going to accomplish through the crucifiction, he would have killed anyone that was tying to crucify Jesus.

Finally, I like the way the verse 9 ends - the things God has prepared for those who love Him. This phrase has a promise of continual revelation and new things being revealed from the heart of God, because of His love for us. God is the creator, and continues to create, even now, and apparently He is finished with His surprises. Amen, Lord, bring it on!