Mysteries

 June 24, 2023

There’s just something about a good mystery. Linda and I have enjoyed watching various mysteries over the years. Back in the 70’s and 80’s it was Columbo, Murder She Wrote, Hart to Hart, etc. We see them in reruns on YouTube and wonder how we ever stomached such drivel. We moved on to British fare with Poirot and Miss Marple, and have recently been watching Miss Fisher, Brokenwood, Death in Paradise, and such. She likes Blue Bloods and NCIS; I prefer to pass. Current favorite is Murdoch, set in turn of the century Toronto. 

Trying to pick up on the clues, figure out the red herrings, and match wits with the detective is a welcome diversion. I think the fun is in the teasing of the clues and the exhilaration if we can figure it out before the protagonist.

I wonder if that isn’t part of the attraction of Jesus’ words in Luke 8. Jesus explains his use of parables in his preaching, saying that they are designed to shield the truth from those unwilling to heed it: “So seeing, they may not see, and hearing, they may not understand” (v.10). But immediately after these words, he tells his disciples who are privy to the inside story that “no one lights a lamp and covers it up…Nothing is hidden that will not be known.” The challenge of the mystery and the thrill of discovery; Jesus knows what he is doing.

On the surface, it seems contradictory, but earlier in chapter 2, there is a hint of what is going on. The aged Simeon, holding the infant Jesus, tells his mother Mary, “This child is set for the rising and fall of many.” Before Jesus, outward religion sufficed in the eyes of many, but this Child was destined for a Cross where all human systems and efforts would be exposed and judged insufficient. Prior to the Cross, the message was hidden, impossible to fully understand; the Cross came and shined its light on us, revealing our hearts. And now we upon whom the Light has shined, have the responsibility of being lights in the world. The mystery that God would redeem all creation has been revealed. What was hidden is now open, and salvation is not limited to the nation of Israel, but is available to all who believe.