The Mystery of Godliness
In the Bible we find the concept of ‘mystery’ as something once hidden but now revealed.
The apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 3:16 ... Beyond all question the mystery of godliness is great.
So what then is this mystery of godliness? Paul continues in the same verse and explains:
He appeared in the flesh,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.
The mystery of godliness is the incarnation, God becoming flesh. Through the Cross, God the Father wishes to reproduce Himself in fallen and frail mankind. Mere mortals can now become as God – i.e GODLY/righteous. Is this not a divine humility from a heart of unbounded grace?
God the three in one still considers His created image (mankind) worthy to know Him, and share in His enjoyable perfection. He does not despise us for our pride, foolishness, failure, lust, greed, haste, but rather still seeks to join with us and elevate us.
As with John the Baptist, we also are unworthy to even untie His sandals, yet in this mystery of godliness He will wash our feet too.
Jesus is humility wearing flesh. I am wiser when I do likewise, and thus lightly touch the mystery of godliness.
Today's Soul Snippet:
'One cannot fight sin with sin.' ~ A.W. Tozer