We turn to him - God's search for man

By Steve Hall

Christmas Weekday - Lectionary: 209

I John 5:5-13
Mark 1:7-11

Making some sense of human existence, and particularly our own is an ongoing endeavor. We may temporarily both distract and satisfy ourselves by deciphering the clues of an Agatha Christie novel, or by unwinding the elements of the human genome; but some things persist in eluding our understanding. Still others need just that one single bit of truth that allows for closure. Such ‘bits of truth’ may be either simple or complex. Some may principally rely on a change in perspective such as happens when confronted with an optical illusion.

Those who have read all of most of the Old Testament may conclude that these writings offer what purports to be the story of, or even a history of a people. Because the Old Testament falls in the realm of religious books, others may determine that it offers an account of a people’s search for God. In any case, the Old Testament is frequently viewed as being about a small portion of humanity. It requires a change of perspective to recognize that the Old Testament is, in reality, an account of God’s search for man and not vise versa. Books of consequential scholarship have been written on the subject. Some focus on the divine plan and anticipate the place of a Messiah therein. It is generally conceded among Scripture scholars that, when we approach the text from the proper perspective, it becomes clear that all that is written is about what God is doing, what is his plan.

Recognition of that plan is a recurring point in Paul’s writings. This reflection began with the statement: ‘Making some sense of human existence, and particularly our own is an ongoing endeavor.’ Paul tells us that a change in our perspective will resolve that search for ‘some sense.’

“Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed and through the prophetic writings is made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith- to the only wise God be glory for evermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.” (Romans 16:25-27)

“For he has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fulness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” (Ephesians 1:9-10)

This is the sense we seek! This is the plan! To unite all things in him. . . .!

So now the map is drawn, the way is given and there is a light to guide our way.

“In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the ages.” (Hebrews 1:1-2) In these, the last days, God has “spoken to us by a Son.” And the Father has himself testified to the truth of his Son: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

It is with this understanding that John can comfortably ask his rhetorical question: “Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” It is with this understanding that John can confidently write: “God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever possesses the Son has life.”  The last bit of truth — the one needed for closure — has been given.

So we have the way and a clear response is required.