Thrilling But Not Mysterious

Many times we find a great thrill in the wonderful news of others obeying the Gospel of Christ, and are now members of His church. However, it is amazing how some of our brethren tell about such occurrences. I received a report from one telling about the work of Christ in an area of which he lived. The heading of the report was as follows: “God Moves In A Mysterious Way.”  After reading the short report I had some questions. The report: “A man boarded a plane  -  he did not know what the future would hold for him  -  he came in contact with the church of Christ by taking a Bible correspondence course  -  he then studied with others, even some from the states  -  he was baptized for the remission of his sins  -  he then wants to be a missionary  -  he finds himself in a country where the economy turns sour  -  he leaves, and goes looking for a wife  -  he wants to go to the country where his parents are to teach the Gospel  -  and  people are thrilled over his decision.”

            Maybe I missed something, and you will be able to point it out to me. I fail to see  that  if  I  or  any  other  boarding a plane is “Mysterious.”  I do not know what tomorrow holds for me or you, and I never have thought that was “Mysterious”. Are we not told, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow”? (Jas.4:14). I did not know that by taking a correspondence course would be a “Mysterious” matter. I, in times past, studied with others that I would learn the truth; but no one ever explained  that  it  was  very  “Mysterious”.  I wonder now if I missed something. I  remember well when I was baptized into Christ, but the preacher never said anything about what was just done was “Mysterious”.  I wonder  if  he  remembered  to  do what he was supposed to do??? I then wanted to preach, and went to a mission field, but I found that to be no “Mysterious” thing. By my obeying the Gospel, and then preaching thrilled many people, but it was not anything “Mysterious”.

Indeed, God moves by and through His inspired word, and people are saved by their obedience to His commandments. Sure, individual lives are made happy by their following Christ as they note His Holy commands.  I also know that God helps us through His providence today. However, that is not done by miracles, nor by any way of  which  can  be  Scripturally  described as “Mysterious”.  Let’s not get carried away by emotionalism to the forsaking of the pure word of God!  That is all!!

. . . .  Fred  House