Mystery

Ephesians 3:1-12
 
Kicking off this new year of 2024, I am drawn in by the word “Mystery.” 2024 is a mystery before us. We don’t know what will happen, yet we are forced to live each day in the mystery. In a world and culture that demands undeniable proof and indisputable evidence in order to prove the truth of events, we don’t do well with mystery.

​Many still don’t believe in God because they can’t scientifically prove that a higher power exists, but the complexity of God uses different methods of proof. Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:3: “the mystery [of Christ] was made known to me by revelation.” God reveals the mystery to us in different ways, and it is often tailored to us individually, which makes it impossible to use as global evidence.

“His star” revealed Christ’s birth to the Magi (Matthew 2:2), which guided them to the place to find the mystery of Christ in physical form. At Jesus’ baptism, “the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descended like a dove” revealed the mystery still within Jesus (Mark 1:10). If we missed it, “a voice came from the heavens,” revealing the mystery as “Son” and “Beloved” (Mark 1:11). Jesus used many different methods to reveal himself to his disciples because he knew what each needed for them to have their epiphany moment.

The mystery of Christ will remain a mystery until we meet Christ face-to-face, and we no longer need undeniable proof because all of our questions will seem meaningless when we are united with the light of Christ. We will have to learn to be intrigued by the mystery now. I do believe the mystery of Christ is revealed to us in different ways that draw us closer to Christ now. It may not be defined and contained in a neatly constructed box, but if we open our hearts to the Spirit, we will begin to see the mystery all around us and even feel it within us. We, Methodists, call this grace. It’s hard to define and remains a mystery, but it is something that Christ gives to all who are ready and open to receive it.

Perhaps a New Year’s resolution or a goal for this new year is to stop trying to use the world’s measuring tools for proving God’s existence and to open ourselves to the mystery. It can be scary and unsettling to be content with not having answers, but it is a more fruitful way for the mystery to be revealed. May the mystery of Christ and the mystery of 2024 bring many epiphany moments that reveal God’s presence with us.  

Reflection Question:
How has the mystery of Christ been revealed to you? Was this an epiphany moment for you?
Is it easy for you to sit with mystery? If not, how can you work to be intrigued or drawn in by mystery?
What do you think the new year holds for you? What holy mystery is the Spirit doing in you?

Action: Pray specifically for Christ to be revealed in a troubling situation that will bring an epiphany moment.