The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Then, through the theologians, they turned Him back into words again. —Karl Barth
We usually come to God intellectually. It’s one of the great mantras of Evangelicalism. You know the emphasis: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” We say that if you learn it, then you’ll live it!
Please hear me: I love to think! But experiencing “Christ in you” is not learned that way! Experiencing Christ in you is learned through God’s power, by His Spirit, as opposed to human wisdom. Consider Paul’s words:
When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God… No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. (1 Corinthians 2:1, 7)
One commentator said, “This mystery is too profound for human ingenuity.” Another said, “It is wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.” God wants us to fully enjoy a mystery previously hidden, long prepared, and, unfortunately, missed by most.
None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”—but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. (1 Corinthians 2:8)
In other words, you can’t hear it, you can’t see it, and you can’t think it. I don’t care how smart you are; none of you can figure out on your own what God has prepared for those who love Him. The Apostle Paul could not be clearer: If you want to experience the mystery, you will not be able to do it coming at it from an intellectual position. It doesn’t work that way.
Dear Father, I need more than teachers and doctrine. I need You. I want to experience the reality of being in You and You in me. Take me deeper, by faith, into the mystery of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.