“Oh, the depth of the riches…” Romans 11:33
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
Have you ever met someone who is a true expert in their field? There are many people who think they are experts, or would like to become experts, but it can be a rare thing to encounter someone who truly fits the title of ‘expert.’ One thing that often does point to true expertise though, is a sense of humility. Humility that comes with the realisation that there is always more than can be learned and understood.
Surely Paul was an expert on Jesus. He had met the risen Christ and wrote many letters to the first Christian communities teaching them about Jesus and encouraging them to live for him. Yet Paul doesn’t boast at having ‘understood’ Jesus. Instead, Paul marvels at the ‘depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God.’ After teaching such deep truths to the Romans, Paul was overcome with the desire to praise God.
Paul knew that no one ever gets to the end of learning about God, and so as Christians, we too should be committed to being life-long learners. Let’s also pray that through knowing Jesus as saviour – whether for 5 weeks or 50 years – we will praise him like Paul did, marvelling at how much there is still to know.
Our heavenly Father, we thank you that we can know you through your Son Jesus. We pray that, like Paul, our understanding to you will lead to praising you and a desire to know you better. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Rev Andrew Goddard
Assistant Minister | Youth and Evangelism
