8-29-2015

Good Morning All!!                       

          Romans 16:25; “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 that was kept secret for long ages”

     As one of the requirements for being ordained, I had to have an interview or personal examination with one of the professors at the seminary.  We agreed on a time when I would be on campus.  The seminary at St. Louis is consists of some very old buildings along with some very modern buildings.  The offices of the instructors are in an old majestic building.  The instructor’s office was room 114.  That should be easy enough.  I walked in the door on the east side of the building and found a hallway with lots of doors.  I found room 101 and room 102 so I continued down the hall and came to room 108 and ran into wall and out of rooms.  I went out of the building and around to the other end and found a hallway and room 132 so I headed down the hall and came to room 120 and hit another (the same?) wall.

    At the end of the hall was a set of steps that went up so I went up and found a hallway and a bunch of rooms except these were 218, 216 and so on.  I looked at the directory and the instructor’s name was listed by room 114 but where that room was; was a total mystery to me.  As I was about to surrender, I met one of the instructors from a previous class.  He could see my perplexed look.  I told him I was looking for room 114.  He laughed and told me this was one of the tests at the seminary to find the rooms 109-119.  He told me to go through the door at the end of the hall.  There was a set of stairs that went down to rooms 109-119.  I am pretty sure I wouldn’t have looked there.

    The only way I could solve the mystery of finding this room was to have the answer revealed to me.  This is exactly how the word “mystery” is used in the Bible.  When the Bible speaks of the mystery, it is referring to a truth that can only be known because it was revealed to you.  The Gospel of Jesus, his death and resurrection, giving life to all who believe, has to be revealed to us.  Jesus revealed this truth to his disciples who revealed it to others who revealed it to someone else until it eventually was revealed to you.  It is no mystery to you for it has been revealed to you but to those around you, who do not know the story of the Gospel of Jesus; it is still hidden to them.  It is your chance to clear up the mystery to them.  It is your opportunity to reveal this great truth.

    So look for chances to reveal the mystery.  Reveal it to your family and friends, to your co-workers and neighbors.  Jesus invites you to share the meaning of the mystery; share it with someone today.

Gracious Father, you have revealed the mystery of faith to me through your saints here on earth.  Move me to reach out and reveal your great love to those I meet, especially to those who are in need of your words of comfort.  In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret