Introduction to Biblical Meditation (Part V)
As we continue our study of biblical meditation, we need to come to grips with the Christian philosophical aspects behind why God created this practice. God very much wants us to understand His ways and His intentions, Proverbs 23:26, “my son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.” This is why Paul, through the power of the Holy Spirit, gives a marvelous foundation and helps the reader and those who would aspire to worship the Lord in such a manner understand its practicality.
1 Corinthians 2:6-16 states the following, “However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden [wisdom] which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10 But God has revealed [them] to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know [them,] because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is [rightly] judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”
Here we see Paul break down the true understanding of why there is biblical meditation. Paul identifies that there are multiple types of wisdom, “However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.”
This clearly identifies that there is wisdom to be sought after by those who are not following the Lord. If you want more evidence, just look at the harlot written about in the book of Proverbs. Nevertheless, the destination of such wisdom comes to folly, for nothing this world has to offer can compare to what the Lord has to offer us.
However, Paul gives greater credence to not only the destination of such wisdom, but also its origins. “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden [wisdom] which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” We see that God’s wisdom cannot be found in man’s feeble attempts at religion, or through the craftiness of our own desires; but rather through God’s ordained foreknowledge. But why did He do this? Paul answers it clearly, “for our glory” which is why if the world truly understood, they would not have crucified the Lord. Ironically, Paul makes a rather remarkable statement by revealing the current absolute truth of Jesus Christ. The world crucified Him, He gave up His own life, He took it back up again. No one killed the Son of God, no one stole His life away but rather, Jesus willfully and perfectly laid it down. As if the crucifixion was not evidence enough of God’s love for us, He also has provided an eternal supported effort to help us understand His glory through biblical meditation. “9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10 But God has revealed [them] to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.”
God wants and desires to teach and reveal to us the mysteries of the universe, the answers to all the questions we could possibly muster. But first, we must have a relationship with Him. It is why Paul ends this section of scripture reflecting on the source of biblical meditation. “13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know [them,] because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is [rightly] judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”
You see, biblical meditation is crafted and designed around a God who loves and cherishes you and I. He has made this unique tool to build a better and more real relationship with us rooted in a living and breathing connection that He predestined before literal time began. How cool is that? Knowing that God crafted the very discussion and methodology practices for you and I to connect with Him in our daily life. He cared so much for you that even before time began and the fall of man had even happened, He was preparing the very knowledge we would seek to better understand Him and what His will is for us.
So next time someone asks why biblical meditation is different than all other meditation rituals, practices, and other religious ideas; just explain to them what God did before time began. Biblical meditation is just another daily sign of God’s ever-present availability and love He has for His children.
God is not a distant God, and neither should we be. It is why biblical meditation is designed for two people together, God and you.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL