From the vastness of space to the sub-atomic structure of matter, the mysteries in creation seem to be endless. Astrophysicists estimate there are hundreds of billions of galaxies in the universe, each with possibly billions of earth-sized worlds. Here on Earth, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) claims we have explored less than five percent of the ocean. Researchers are still finding two to three new bird species each year in remote parts of the world. And scientists at the Large Hadron Collider located over five hundred feet below the France-Switzerland border are disassembling particles so small that it is akin to firing two needles over six miles apart with such precision that they collide halfway. Truly, the Creator must have an equally endless imagination to have created such variety.
As a quick exercise to appreciate what God has done, try imagining a new environment that has none of the attributes of our current one. Start with a clean slate, simply nothing, no 3-dimensional space, no worlds, no plants, animals or humans, no air, no concepts like “up” or “down”, no light or darkness, no colors blue or purple. No time. No truth, no love. Where would you even begin?
Similarly, the mysteries in God’s word seem to be endless. The Bible speaks of ancient customs which are no longer practiced, supernatural events that scientists cannot explain, and prophecies about future events that theologians have been trying to understand throughout the ages and resulting in many divergent theories. And yet, the change in people’s lives as a result of putting their faith in God is undeniable. That alone may be the biggest mystery.
So why are God’s creation and His Word filled with mysteries?
King Solomon, inspired by God, recorded many wise observations and one in particular may give us a hint.
The glory of God is to conceal a matter,
the glory of kings is to search out a matter
Proverbs 25:2
In His kingdom, God is glorified or honored by concealing or hiding a matter. The Hebrew word used here for matter speaks of a saying or a word spoken. So more specifically, God is honored by speaking mysteries into existence, be they a saying through a prophet (2 Peter 1:21) or the speaking of creation into existence (Genesis 1:3ff).
On the other hand, kings are honored when they search out and discover the hidden meaning behind God’s sayings. And through the sacrifice of Jesus, God has made us both kings and priests (Revelation 1:6; 5:10). Therefore, not only earthly kings but as followers of Christ we also receive honor when we explore and discover what God has concealed.
We see evidence of this Kingdom design in a general sense play out in society today. An author receives praise from readers and critics alike for a well written mystery novel with subtle clues woven throughout the story (glory for creating a mystery). Conversely, scientists and researchers are honored for discovering something previously unknown about the complexities in creation (glory for understanding a mystery).
But how can we discover and understand God’s mysteries? God’s ways and thoughts are supremely higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9). Thankfully, we’re not left helpless in searching out His concealed truth.
God’s truth is revealed in creation (Psalms 19:1), in His Word (2 Timothy 3:16), through His Son Jesus (John 14:6) and through the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). God promises that if we search, we will discover (Matthew 7:7-8). And more importantly, beyond satisfying our own desire to understand the mysteries, if we continue seeking we will even discover the One who created the mysteries (Deuteronomy 4:29).