Paul ends Chapter 11 of Romans with a doxology, a hymn of praise to God. He himself admits that the spiritual concepts and wisdom he is trying to explain are truly beyond our human wisdom. God’s ways are not our ways and yet, the end product will be the blessing of all nations and all peoples. Paul closes the doctrinal part of his letter with praise.
“33 O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements and how inscrutable his ways!
34 ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counsellor?’
35 ‘Or who has given a gift to him,
to receive a gift in return?’
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory for ever. Amen.”
Let’s read this doxology again and see if we can put it in modern English. The Message, a modern version of the Bible, says it this way:
33-36 Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It’s way over our heads. We’ll never figure it out.
Is there anyone around who can explain God?
Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do?
Anyone who has done him such a huge favor
that God has to ask his advice?
Everything comes from him;
Everything happens through him;
Everything ends up in him.
Always glory! Always praise!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Pick just one of the superlatives Paul uses to speak about God and sit and ponder it and own it. I might paraphrase the doxology: “I can’t explain God. I’m not smart enough. I cannot help him do anything better. He makes my life possible. May God be praised forever.” Thank you, Lord.
On the Way to Wonder 