"God is his own interpreter, and he will make it plain."

Hymn: "God Moves in a Mysterious Way" - William Cowper (1731-1800)
Typical Tune: ST. ANNE

This is definitely one of those 'tucked away' hymn-lines. In most hymnals, it is the final line of this hymn. I like it when the last line of a hymn is the one the grabs me - the 'hook,' so to speak - because I can really stop and think... and ponder!

One of the things I miss most in the evolution of contemporary worship is the trend to avoid silence. Every moment seems to need filler of some kind. However, when we have sung a text like this one, we might ought to turn off the sound system for a minute or two and chain the ministers to their chairs so the rest of us can reflect on what we just sang: "God is his own interpreter, and he will make it plain." Some churches who still follow an order of worship include the times listed as "Silence is kept." This should be one of those times.

Don't you love it when you're watching someone sign - interpret for the deaf - during a concert, and as you watch them, the songs are made more understandable... their interpretation makes the message more plain?

"Who has known the mind of the Lord? Who his counselor ever became?" (Romans 11:34) This scripture passage comes to mind as I think on this hymn-line. Really: Who knows what God is thinking? Who would ever try to give him advice? Who would have ever attempted to explain to Einstein what E=mc2 means? Who would have advised Michelangelo to use a little more green on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel? Who would have suggested an alternate ending to "Romeo and Juliet"?

We wouldn't do that because we trust that these geniuses knew what they were doing. So why would we question the ways of God -THE Genius of all geniuses, King of all kings, Lord or all lords.

Certainly we don't understand all that God does - universally or in our own lives. But we can be certain that nobody tells him what to do and that none of us should try to totally figure him out. It is the continuing mystery of God that intrigues us; it may well be what sets him apart as the God of all gods.

Babbie Mason wrote a song that Cynthia Clawson recorded and still sings on her concerts. It says simply, "When you can't trace his hand, trust his heart." [Silence is kept.]

Today and the rest of our days, let's stay out of God's business when it comes to how he rules his kingdom; let's let him interpret himself. We may not 'get it' now, but eventually it will come to light - the truth be told. At the same time, let's be about our Father's business! Meanwhile, to quote another old gospel song, "We will understand it better by and by."

O God, maintain your mystery. Amen.

Originally posted on August 10, 2013