Scripture: Romans 16:25-27 (NRSV)
I enjoy reading mystery novels. My mind is tantalized by the myriad clues and possibilities inherent in a seemingly unsolvable situation. But at some point in the reading, I grow restless. I want to know the answer to the mystery, and I want to know it now. So I confess, I go to the end of the book and read the last page. Then having satisfied myself with the knowledge of the plot’s direction, I read the clues and their development in a clearer way.
Our lives can exhibit a similar desire for clarity. In times of confusion or stress, we cry to God for immediate information. We want to read the last page of our own existence and know that it all turns out well. We want the answers to our struggles, so we can know that they are worth our efforts, and with that knowledge live more easily.
In Paul’s letter to the Gentiles in Rome, he ends with an expansive doxology, speaking of the revelation of a mystery formerly kept secret. That revelation is Jesus Christ, who combines both glory and humanity, who loves us in spite of and because of ourselves. The end page of our mystery is already known to us. God has revealed God’s truest self in the figure of Jesus. As a child King, as a living sacrifice, His life of supreme love is both mystery and revelation, all wrapped up together.
Scripture: Romans 16:25-27 (NRSV)
Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.