2022_08_08 Insight Post- Kim Feld

³³ Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
³⁴ “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
³⁵ “Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?”
³⁶ For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Romans 11:33 – 36 NIV

If you have been part of our Monday night Prayer and Bible Study sessions, you know that we have discussed the theological depth of the book of Romans. There is much in it that may be confusing or interpreted differently by different Bible scholars. God’s plan to redeem the world is incredibly simple but complex at the same time. In the passage above, Paul acknowledges the complexity. Yet, he ends up in a place of praise for the majesty and wonder of our God.

Paul takes from the Old Testament books of Job and Isaiah in writing this passage. I’m challenged by Paul’s knowledge of scripture and his ability to incorporate it verbatim or in themes. His years of study, coupled with enlightenment by the Holy Spirit, allowed him to see the thread that runs throughout the Bible. This knowledge didn’t result in pride for Paul; it led him to awe and worship.

There’s an old quote about the Bible attributed to many, including Mark Twain. The essence of the saying is that the author is challenged more by the things in the Bible he does understand instead of the things he doesn’t. Unfortunately, some people allow the things of the Bible that they don’t understand to derail them and decide that God’s word is indecipherable. But what about all the clear stuff? God’s ways and thoughts will always be higher than mine (Isaiah 55:9), and I’m so grateful. Our God sits above all creation and any circumstance or struggle in my life. He is better than anything I could compare Him to.

What role does praise play in your relationship with God? I find the Psalms are an excellent place for me to sit with God in recognition of Him. Some of my favorites are Psalms 8, 19, 24, and 29. Read them aloud as part of your prayer time, and let God’s majesty wash over you. He is worthy of our praise.

Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach