‘Tis mystery all th’Immortal dies
Who can explore His strange design
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine
‘Tis mercy all let earth adore
Let angel minds inquire no more
And Can It Be, That I Should Gain? 1738
By: Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Listen to this modern version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.
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Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below! It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.
As we continue our journey through this hymn which encourages us to be amazed at God’s love for us prepare to respond and give Him praise. Let’s think about this.
Adoration
What is our response to the the mystery and mercy of God? Adoration. But what does that look/sound like?
His mystery may evoke sense of wonder that may be expressed more likely with awe and quietness. His mercy on the other hand may evoke a sense of gratitude that can not keep quiet at all. His amazing love is both all mystery and all mercy so there are moments when either response may seem more natural.
Adoration takes different forms and can certainly be expressed with different volume levels. One probably feels more comfortable to you, but it is important to be willing to practice the other as well. Sometimes noisy praise, sometimes quiet worship. All adoration.
‘Tis mercy all let earth adore
But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him. Habakkuk 2:20 ESV
The writer implores the earth to adore, but the Scripture instructs silence. Are these mutually exclusive? We often acquaint noise with adoration, but can quiet also characterize it? Of course. Maybe even a more profound sense of it. With the angels, let all the earth adore.
Even though the angels can not fully proclaim His love, all the earth is implored to adore. Though we can never adequately convey it still we must make our feeble attempts because His mercy demands it. Are you trying to find your place in the adoration? Do it today.
RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about your adoration. What are your familiar expressions? Are you willing to consider and even practice some different forms of adoration?. Pray the simple prayer, “Spirit, help me adore.“
Acceptance
Though they have flown around in God’s presence their entire existence, to grasp the love of God is still something they can not truly do. Though there is much they understand as God’s messengers, they can not fathom the depth of His love for us. So futile is that pursuit that they are basically encouraged to stop trying to understand, and instead to simply live in it.
Does it strike you as odd that angels are basically encouraged to to stop inquiring regarding God’s love? It did me. Maybe it is because they can put the energy required for serious inquiry into other pursuits, like praise. That makes sense.
Let angel minds inquire no more
It was revealed to them…in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you…things into which angels long to look. 1 Peter 1:12 ESV
The good news preached to us, things into which angels long to look. Even angels who have circled the through eternally marvel at this divine mystery of God’s redemption made available to us through the sacrifice of His Son. Certainly we should as well.
While we are instructed to adore the angels are told to inquire no more. How interesting. Mortals who are filled with questions are encouraged to praise while angels who are filled with praise are instructed to cease their questions. Paradoxes abound, but such is our faith.
RESONATE!
Take a few moments and ask God to help you respond to His amazing love. We may want a better understanding, just like the angels, but it is better by far for us to simply accept it. Pray this simple prayer, “Jesus, help us walk in faith.“
Jesus, help me to accept Your love today. I want to understand it better, but help me long even more for an appreciation for it. Thank You for calling me to that. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Adoring Thinking!
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Podcast 43.2 Transcript
Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.
‘Tis mystery all th’Immortal dies
Who can explore His strange design
But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 ESV
There can be no mistaking the design of our redemption is strange. The Scripture makes it equally clear it was God’s design to crucify His Son for our sins. It was true eternally, but we must embrace it today.
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine
When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Job 38:7 ESV
Since the foundations of the earth were laid, the angels have been singing the praises of God. Still not even they could find an adequate expression to capture the love of God on display through His sacrifice. Will you join their song today?
‘Tis mercy all let earth adore
But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him. Habakkuk 2:20 ESV
The writer implores the earth to adore, but the Scripture instructs silence. Are these mutually exclusive? We often acquaint noise with adoration, but can quiet also characterize it? Of course. Maybe even a more profound sense of it. With the angels, let all the earth adore.
Let angel minds inquire no more
It was revealed to them…in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you…things into which angels long to look. 1 Peter 1:12 ESV
The good news preached to us, things into which angels long to look. Even angels who have circled the through eternally marvel at this divine mystery of God’s redemption made available to us through the sacrifice of His Son. Certainly we should as well.
Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more, with the refrain
‘Tis mystery all th’Immortal dies
Who can explore His strange design
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine
‘Tis mercy all let earth adore
Let angel minds inquire no more
Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond. Until next time,
Be Resonant.
The post All Mystery: All Mercy appeared first on Resonant 7.
Image Attributions
Let earth adore – https://pixabay.com/photos/earth-planet-space-world-11008/
Angel minds – https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-do-angels-look-like-in-human-and-heavenly-form.html
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