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Perfect Mystery
In a recent trip, I saw this sign on the back of a semi: "He isn't 'the Man Upstairs.' His name is Jesus Christ and He is the Lord of heaven."
It made me wonder. We think we know Him ... but do we? I believe that too much familiarity is a sure sign that we don't really know Him. For to know Him is to fear Him. Not in the sense of being afraid of Him, but rather of being in awe of Him - His holiness, power, wisdom, strength ... the list is literally infinite. You can't contemplate who He is and still call Him "JC." Coming anywhere near Him makes you take off your sandals for you suddenly realize you are on holy ground.
It boggles the mind to think that this Lord of heaven could ever become a helpless infant, totally dependent on the care of a young girl.
"Mary, did you know ...?" the song asks. "Did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water? ... Did you know that He is the great I AM?"
I think she knew... and she didn't. Just like we know... and we don't. Isn't it amazing how it is possible to have intimacy with a God who is at the same time a perfect mystery? A mystery we will spend eternity contemplating and rejoicing in.
The intimacy we now enjoy is but a foretaste of what is to come. And that intimacy is a far cry from a casual familiarity. It is a closeness, an affection, deeply grounded in respect and admiration, thankfulness and praise.
This month we joyfully celebrate what in truth we cannot possibly understand - divinity veiled in humanity that we may be enabled to approach.
'Therefore... let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe..." (Hebrews 12:29)
-Maria Lund