The Deepening Mystery

The closer we walk with God, the deeper is the mystery around us.  It would seem that a nearness to the Holy One which has been growing for years and maybe even a life time would enable us to see more things clearly.  It only makes sense to our common sense that deepening nearness would bring greater understanding, but it can only be said that the exact opposite is true.  There were times in the beginning when we thought we knew something about God.  As we walk into the years with which He graces us, we finally come to the place of knowing that what we do not know will always be greater than what we know.  

One of the things which has loomed largely before me in these closing days of the year is the way each year brings about changing landscapes, changing relationships, and changing goals.  In the small town which adjoins the farm, it is often said that nothing ever changes, but we know it is a lie.  Even the local community cemetery is expanding its grounds to accommodate the change!  It should not surprise us that our relationship with God is unfolding into a life that would not be recognizable to the young person we used to be.  

When we read that Corinthian passage about believers being new creations, we often think it is a once and done thing.  We meet Christ and we are changed, but what is really true is to say that to meet Christ is to enter into a life of constant change.  Not only does the relationship call forth from us different things in the different seasons of our life, but He begins to reveal more of Himself to us in such a way that draws us deeper into holy mystery instead of the expected understanding.  We catch more glimpses than visions.  We become more aware of what is invisible and waiting to be seen.  The Word about the Kingdom of God coming and being in our midst makes more sense even if we see ourselves straining to see it.