THE PARADOX OF KNOWING GOD

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts

Neither are my ways your ways, declares the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are my ways higher than yours ways

And my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8, 9

“Beware when your religion tells you exactly what to expect of God.”

It is not only religion; I must beware of myself first.  The Christian life is a paradox.  I can know God on a very intimate and personal level; yet He remains a mystery on all levels.  I can easily get a little cozy and cocky about the closeness I share with the Trinity and come to believe I know all about everything; I don’t, and I get myself into a mess when I think and act as if I do.

Peter exemplifies this for me.  After Peter confesses Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of the living God, he then rebukes Jesus as he was telling his disciples about his mission in Jerusalem.  On the Mount of Transfiguration he starts arranging the event until God Himself intervenes and tells him to listen to His Son.  After the Last Supper Peter boldly confesses his loyalty above all the other disciples, only to be told by Jesus that he would deny even knowing him three times; which he did. 

One of the most sobering events for me to read is Luke 22:61.  After Peter’s third denial the rooster crowed.  “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter.  And Peter remembered…and he went out and wept bitterly.”  I can identify with Peter’s coziness and cockiness all too well.  I too have known the moment when my pride was revealed and I was caught, convicted, and found myself guilty.  It never feels good.  But it has always worked out for my betterment.  The more it happens, the deeper the lesson becomes.  The deeper the lesson becomes the more aware I am of the temptation and I keep my heart humble and my mouth silent.

My intimate relationship with God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit is not a cause to boast.  It is a gift of grace to be received and enjoyed in utmost humility and joy.