“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” (Romans 11:33-36)
I have often wondered if, when men received revelation from God, they knew what they were going to say beforehand. Verses like these make me think that many times, the revelation was as new and fresh to them as it is to us the first time we read it. Here, Paul comes to the realization that the nation of Israel—whom he so deeply loved—had fallen under judgment. Yet even this was part of God's divine plan, allowing the Gentiles to be brought into the family of God.
As Paul pauses in his discourse on Israel, reflecting on their fall, the wrath they endure, and their future hope, he cannot help but praise God for His sovereignty. He marvels at the Lord’s ability to direct history and providence for the ultimate good of His people.
What can we take from this? First, we are reminded that the burdens we carry and the things we do not understand are under the control of a perfectly wise God who only does wondrous things. Even when judgment comes upon those we love, and our hearts break—as Paul’s did—it is still all working out for His purposes. God is not eager to judge; He delights in mercy and grace. It is not His will that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. And yet, many harden their hearts, just as Pharaoh did, just as Israel did. But even in this, God has a plan!
In the end, Pharaoh’s fall led to Israel’s deliverance. Israel’s fall led to the Gospel going forth to the Gentiles. And so, Romans 8:28 is fulfilled: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Christian, His ways are beyond finding out, His judgments are unsearchable. So when you are tempted to question what God is doing, instead, thank Him that He is the wise God who does all things well.
Paul could have been angry at God for allowing Israel to be blinded under judgment. But he wasn’t. He saw God's wisdom at work, even in a tragic outcome. And so should we. When we are tempted to question God, we should instead question ourselves with these words: “For who hath known the mind of the Lord?” Do you remember all the questions Job asked God? And how did God respond? He answered Job with more questions. He does the same for all who dare to challenge His wisdom.
Ask yourself—if God is all-knowing and I am so short-sighted, who has the clearer view? Of course, God does. His mind designed the universe and all its complexities—millions of which we have yet to discover—while we struggle to comprehend the simplest problems in our lives. Who, then, can make the right decisions? We may be tempted to think God has overlooked our feelings or failed to consider how His decisions affect our lives. But rest assured—His mind has taken every detail into account, and His foresight has already seen the good that we cannot yet see.
And when you feel that God owes you something, ask yourself: “Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?” God owes no man anything, and yet, He is faithful to repay all who serve Him. Not even a cup of cold water given in His name will be forgotten. He is a God who keeps His word, exalting it even above His own name—the name that is above every name.
Finally, we are left with one all-encompassing truth that brings clarity to life’s most complex struggles: “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” All things were created by God. All things are sustained by God. All things are for God. All things. That includes whatever burden is weighing on your heart today. Behind the seemingly chaotic and painful events of life is the sovereign, all-knowing, all-good, unchanging hand of God. He is working all things together. What men mean for evil, He means for good. What Satan did in the garden, God turned for our good. What Adam lost, Christ restored. Every evil that has plagued this world is being reversed—and in the end, it will all work out to His glory.
And when this story has played out, and we stand in eternity with perfected bodies and purified minds, we will glorify Him forever. Perhaps for all eternity, we will proclaim:
“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!”
Hallelujah!