~ Secret Things ~

[Lani]

1 Corinthians 2:6-16
6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.



Paul wrote, “Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries.” 1 Corinthians 4:1 (NRSV)



I am officially the keeper of a secret recipe. As I watched my mother-in-law move into the later years of her life, I knew the family angel-food-cake recipe would soon be lost if I didn’t do something quickly. This cake was a staple at all family gatherings and a much-anticipated treat. Only Grandma could make it light and delicious every time.

We arranged for me to come to her country farmhouse and learn firsthand from the expert herself the secret tricks of making the perfect cake. It was a great day of sifting flour, whipping egg whites, and adding other special ingredients at just the right moment. She revealed her secrets, one at a time, in those quiet moments. Perhaps she too sensed the urgency of that day. It was her opportunity to pass on an important bit of knowledge.

First Corinthians 4:1 tells us that we are to be “stewards of God’s mysteries.” Paul viewed himself as one to whom a secret had been revealed. But the news of Christ Jesus, who willingly died for the sins of the world and was resurrected on the third day, was a message Paul did not keep to himself. The good news of God’s immeasurable love for us had to be shared.

Time is short. Let us pass along what we know to be true about God to the generations that will follow us.



Prayer: Giver of salvation, help us to be aware of those around us who do not know you. May we lovingly communicate your love to them. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Prayer Focus of Day: Families gathering for celebrations

Thought for the Day: The mysteries of God must be shared.

Story shared by: S. Braner (OK)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional: 11/23/11