J.A. Matteson
We cannot will our way into spiritual enlightenment, God must reveal Himself to us. "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men" (1 Jn. 1:4). Forget about pressing into the deep questions of your existence and the operation of the created order. Rather, make your aim to "know Christ and the power of His resurrection" (Phil. 3:10). We easily get distracted by what has been made, neglecting Him who made it. All things were created by Him and for Him, in Him are the treasures of all wisdom (2 Pet. 3:15). In our quest for wisdom and understanding let us pursue Jesus Christ, in whom reside life and light to make the simple wise and the wise humble. The greatest treasure on earth is as dung compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Jesus Christ our Lord. And not knowing what we do not know, God is well pleased to reveal more of Himself in unexpected moments and places as we remain in Him, spiritually poor, hungry, dependent. Moses began his day in ordinary fashion unaware that God would reveal Himself in the remarkable splendor of a bush on fire but not consumed. Jacob, sleeping under the night sky was delightfully startled to behold in his slumbering state a ladder to heaven revealing God's intimate presence. God's presence and self-disclosure is never demanded, we have no claim on it; it comes to His servants according to the good pleasure of His will. And yet, His servants may hasten His presence with its accompanying wisdom and understanding as they daily seek Jesus Christ above and before all else (Jer. 29:13).
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