Also, please visit this website to see pictures from my trip to Africa, http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=510771&id=543293163&l=85ec1
1 Corinthians 2:9-10
Beyond Imagination (Classic)
“But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him” – these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
Too often we want to take the mystery out of faith. Mystery can be uncomfortable. For example, what if you came into church and there was no bulletin (don’t worry, not this Sunday)? We like to have things about faith, church, and life to be predictable.
And then we remember this verse, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him… (9)” Scholars say that it appears that Paul is paraphrasing Isaiah 64:4, which reads, “From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him.”
It reminds us that God is beyond our senses and imaginations. There are beautiful things to see, wonderful words and music to hear and dreams and prayers from our hearts to feel that are all waiting for us.
And what does that do for our daily walk with Christ if we know these amazing things are waiting for us? Because scholars point out that verse 9 is not limited to the idea of heaven, one can interpret this verse, and I would agree, that these amazing things are being prepared for us while here on earth as well. And isn’t it true? I know we often dwell on the negative, but how many other things would qualify as things we have seen and heard and dreamed that have been realized? Seeing things like rainbows, breathtaking views of mountains and lakes. Hearing tender words of love and encouragement that you never expected or thought possible. Hearing the voices of children as they are praying. And dreams that we couldn’t have even conceived of, happening in front of us. All of us have these and many more coming. So again, doesn’t it change our living and walk with Christ if we come to expect them without being able to fully perceive them?!?! What can it do for our attitudes when facing trials and difficult circumstances when we face them?
It also tells us about God’s character. It says that this is a God who is always at work preparing amazing things for His children. He’s the father who bursts through the door with unbelievable surprises for his kids.
As much as we can try to imagine these things God is preparing, as wonderful as we can picture things, they are still all beyond our imagination…
Amen.
Discussion Questions
- How does it feel to think of God’s love being present in our lives but also being beyond comprehension?
- What is one way our walk with Christ can change when we expect the unimaginable blessings God has prepared for us?
- How does affect your perception of who God is and what he is doing in your life?
- Are you up for a little more mystery after reading this? Why or why not?
Living Water 