This morning I read Proverbs 30, and I found myself in agreement with the sayings of Agur in verses 18 and 19, which read:
These four things possess distinct aspects which make them remarkable. Each of them is mysterious in their own way, inexplicable, unsearchable, "too wonderful to be fully known" (Henry). They form glimpses of extraordinary marvels, which leaves one in a place of humility because of their wonder. Humility is the only possible response. Job describes this wonder when he says, "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know" (42:3) Similarly, the Psalmist says, "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain" (139:6).
Often, I feel this way. Frozen in the awe of little things, small mysteries, and precious wonders. Things beyond my comprehension, which amaze me. Agar uses examples, which I resonate with. Think of an eagle soaring on the wind for hours. Or a snake which moves in such a unique manner. Or a ship balancing on the waves of an ocean, rocking side to side and moving forward in a way which doesn't seem possible. Finally, the verse which stood out most, "The way of a man with a maid." This refers to the process by which a woman comes to love a man. I think of times I see elderly couples who hold hands and I just stare, watching their commitment manifest in the form of simple affection. I think of young lovers who are starry-eyed and oblivious to the world around them. These things astound me. They make me pause to witness its wonder. What leaves you in awe?
In all of the information we accumulate as society progresses, the data right at our fingertips, may we never lose our wonder. May we pause to be amazed by the Creator. May this new year bring us to a place of humbly waiting to witness the wonder of our God.
There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden.
These four things possess distinct aspects which make them remarkable. Each of them is mysterious in their own way, inexplicable, unsearchable, "too wonderful to be fully known" (Henry). They form glimpses of extraordinary marvels, which leaves one in a place of humility because of their wonder. Humility is the only possible response. Job describes this wonder when he says, "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know" (42:3) Similarly, the Psalmist says, "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain" (139:6).
Often, I feel this way. Frozen in the awe of little things, small mysteries, and precious wonders. Things beyond my comprehension, which amaze me. Agar uses examples, which I resonate with. Think of an eagle soaring on the wind for hours. Or a snake which moves in such a unique manner. Or a ship balancing on the waves of an ocean, rocking side to side and moving forward in a way which doesn't seem possible. Finally, the verse which stood out most, "The way of a man with a maid." This refers to the process by which a woman comes to love a man. I think of times I see elderly couples who hold hands and I just stare, watching their commitment manifest in the form of simple affection. I think of young lovers who are starry-eyed and oblivious to the world around them. These things astound me. They make me pause to witness its wonder. What leaves you in awe?
In all of the information we accumulate as society progresses, the data right at our fingertips, may we never lose our wonder. May we pause to be amazed by the Creator. May this new year bring us to a place of humbly waiting to witness the wonder of our God.
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