1 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) —
16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:
He was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.
NOTE: Most
commentators seem to think Paul was quoting a hymn or psalm of the early
church. Also, the question, "what
is the mystery of godliness" should be answered by the hymn. In this case,
it appears that Jesus, the incarnation of God upon the earth is the mystery of
godliness. The HS, the third person of the trinity validates the son, the
second person of the trinity during the baptism. Angels worship God and watched
this happen. The church has proclaimed and is proclaiming him to the nations.
The world has and is believing the truth of his work. And finally, those at the
time witnessed his ascension into heaven. He was not man but God-man. He was a
mystery. Israel knew a Messiah was coming, but what they did not understand
that it would be the physical presence of God who would come. Even the
statement, "physical presence of God" is hard to understand. God is
spirit. God is unseen. But God made himself known.
PRAYER: Father, I am
blessed to know and to understand that God visited earth in the flesh. And that
God lives in me. Thank you for the mystery which ultimately led to my salvation
and my new life in Christ.
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