Scripture Reference:
Proverbs 25:2
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out the matter.
Reading Guide for Mom and Dad:
Ephesians 3:8-9 "To me who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ."
In the above scripture Paul talks about the mystery that was hidden from the beginning of the ages. Paul says that he was called to preach among the Gentiles to make all see what this mystery is.
The mystery refers to God's unchanging Plan and Purpose.
Heb 6:17 : "Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath." Immutability also means unchanging counsel. God had one Vision since the beginning, and it never changed, it is still the same today as it was when Adam walked with God in the garden of Eden.
Paul's eyes were opened to this Plan and Purpose when he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. We read about this in Acts 9. When Ananias prayed for Paul, there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once. When Paul received his physical sight he also received his spiritual sight. When Paul's spiritual eyes were opened he could understand God's Plan and Purpose, this is the mystery he talks about in Ephesians 3:8. This is what he wanted to preach and make known to the Gentiles: the unsearchable riches of Christ and the fellowship of the mystery that was hidden since the beginning.
In John 9 Jesus opens the eyes of the man that was born blind. Jesus came to open the eyes of the blind - in the physical (like the blind man in John 9) but also in the Spiritual. John 9 also speaks on a spiritual level: it is a picture of mankind. All of us was born blind to God's Vision. Jesus came to open our eyes to God's Vision. The pharisees were blinded by the Law: the mindset of the Tree of Good and Evil, but Jesus came to give us Life in Relationship with God.
In relationship with the Holy Spirit we can see God's Vision. The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to search out the deep things of God: 1 Cor 2:10 "But God has revealed them to us by His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God". The Holy Spirit brings us revelation to what God's Word says.
Throughout Scripture there is hidden "markers", all leading us towards God's Vision.
Some of these markers are eyes (to see the Vision), ears (to hear the Voice of God) and the heart (your understanding/ your mindset). When we read any of these words in the Bible they usually refer to The Mystery that Paul talks about in Ephesians 3: 8.
In the next post we will look at exactly what the Mystery is.
Conversation Starters with the little ones:
How would you feel if you found a locked treasure chest? Would you search for the key? How would you feel if you found the key and opened the treasure chest? Do you think a secret treasure chest could be found just by casual searching or do you think one would need to put some effort into the searching? What does Heb 11:6 mean in this context: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him"
Just like one can search out a secret treasure, one can also seek out God's treasure - the Mystery. God wants us to find it. It is hidden so that we can find it. (Prov 25:2)
Teach them to Rule and Multiply:
Give your older children some blank paper. Draw three columns on it. They can draw an eye, an ear and a heart on the top of each column. Read some scripture verses to them and encourage them to write the scripture in either one of the columns when they hear the words eye/see/revealed, ear/listen or heart.
Suggestions: Acts 9:4-5; Acts 26:16-17; Ephesians 3:3-5; Ephesians 3:8; Matthew 13:9-11; Matthew 13:13; Matthew 13:14; Matthew 13:16-17; John 3:3; John 9:35-37; 1 Cor 2:10; Proverbs 4:20 King James Bible: "My son, attend to my words, incline thine ear, unto my sayings, let them not depart from thine eyes, keep them in the midst of thine heart"
Kettle Prayer Suggestion:
Father God thank You for enabling us by Your Holy Spirit to search out Your counsel, the deep things of God. Please give my children listening hearts, ears and seeing eyes. Thank you Jesus for the finished work on the Cross. Amen
Visual aid - you are welcome to download this visual aid for your own personal use:
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