GOD'S TIMING

God is the only One who can say His name is "I AM."  That is because He has always been, and He will always be (Ex. 3:14)!  Before creation actually began in Genesis 1:1, God already had chosen to do the things which were going to happen.  For instance, before the foundation of the world, Jesus, "the Lamb of God," was already counted as slain for a lost and dying world (Jn. 1:29, 36; 1 Pet. 1:19-20).  The names of those who would accept His sacrifice for them, were already written in the Book of Life before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4; Rev. 13:8; 17:8).  God predestined these things to happen (Rom. 8:29-30; Eph. 1:5, 11)!  Isaiah 46:10 declares this:  "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure!"

Even though God is eternally Omniscient, He has chosen to reveal the truth in bits and pieces, when He determines the time is right.  We are told repeatedly in the Scriptures, that some truth has been temporarily hidden from mankind (Col. 1:26-27); God's Word describes these as "mysteries":

     *     His kingdom - Mt. 13:11; Mk. 4:11; Lk. 8:10.
     *     The blindness of Israel - Rom. 11:25.
     *     The Gospel - Rom. 16:25; Eph. 6:19.
     *     His wisdom - 1 Cor. 2:7.
     *     His will - Eph. 1:9.
     *     The gift of tongues - 1 Cor. 14:2.
     *     The Rapture - 1 Cor. 15:51.
     *     Christ's suffering - Eph. 3:3, 4, 9.
     *     God's comfort - Col. 2:2.
     *     Iniquity - 2 Thes. 2:7.
     *     The significance of faith - 1 Tim. 3:9.
     *     Godliness - 1 Tim. 3:16.
     *     The Incarnation - 1 Tim. 3:16.
     *     The identity of the stars - Rev. 1:20.
     *     The mystery of God is finished - Rev. 10:7.
     *     The harlot - Rev. 17:5, 7.

As you can see from this abbreviated list, many of the mysteries have already been revealed.  However, even though the majority of them are understood by born again believers, there are still a few which God will reveal in good time.  An example of those things which will one day be clear, is the blinded eyes of Israel being opened when they observe the Abomination of Desolation (Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11; Mt. 24:15).  And, in a sense, there will always be some mystery, even for the born again believer.  After all, 1 John 3:2 tells us that we will not know until we are with Him!

I long for the day I see Jesus!  Maranatha!