Paradoxology
During the services this last weekend, we sang a new old song called “Come and Stand Amazed, You People.” As I shared, its roots can be traced back to medieval times, first written and sung in Dutch. It’s a delightful hymn that articulates beautifully the deep and mysterious paradoxes of the incarnation. One of the things I love about great songs is that they cause us to think deeply about things that we might otherwise glance over. Because of this hymn, my mind has been ruminating on the paradox of God become man – it’s a thought that I just can’t seem to get out of my head (this is another benefit of good truth put to good music).
See the Mighty, weak and tender
The man whom we call King of the Universe was born as a human child. He cried for help and comfort from his mother, he needed warmth, and he needed help to sleep. This paradox is especially poignant for me right now, as our 5 week old is anything but mighty. Yet, the King of Glory – the epitome of mighty – became a baby.
See the Word, who now is mute
Jesus, whom John calls “the Word,” through whom God created the world, and through whom God will judge the living and the dead (Revelation 19:15), was made mute. For a time, for a season, the one through whom God created all things did not speak. What incredible trust and confidence the Son had in the Father’s plans that He willingly was sent to be born in a state of speechlessness.
See the Sovereign, without splendor
Kings throughout history do not give up their power – at least, not willingly. That’s a part of the problem with monarchies. How incredible, then, that the sovereign King of the UNIVERSE gave up His own glory to descend into human life. It’s truly unfathomable, and yet it’s reality. Babies are amazing – but they’re not majestic. Jesus left His throne, left his splendor, to become one.
See the Fullness, destitute
Colossians 2:9 says that, “… in Him the fullness of God dwells in bodily form….” Jesus is the fullness of God – he’s not part of God – He IS God, fully God. Humans on the other hand are not fully God. They are image of God – but in them is no divinity. Jesus, fully God, in taking on flesh, made himself destitute (Philippians 2:6-7).
Now, some of these truths might sound familiar to you – some of them you might even read over and think, “yes, we hear this every advent.” May I adjure you for a moment to really stop and think about the paradox. It’s worth a cup of coffee and some thoughtful consideration this week. Jesus, God’s only Son, the Creator of the cosmos, Word of God, King of the universe, gave up His glory for a time to become a baby – a baby who would grow to become a savior.
Jesus was worthy of all the glory before His incarnation. And yet, somehow, someway, by God’s good and perfect plan, He is now worthy of more glory because He took on human flesh to save sinners like you and me. Oh how deserving He is of our worship, our adoration, our attention, and our longing, church.
I have more thoughts. Too many thoughts for a small article. But I’ll leave you to ponder our paradoxical God in light of the paradoxes He calls Christians to live in the midst of. God says that Christians will experience: Joy in suffering, gain through giving, freedom in surrender, exaltation through humility, unity through diversity, first prize through being last place, life through death. Sometimes these paradoxes seem unfathomable. How can any of them be true? They seem to go against our every instinct. And yet – God’s intended plan to save humanity and bring the most glory to Himself was through the means of paradox. Let that sink in. If His paradoxical plan through Christ brings Him more glory, then maybe, just maybe, His paradoxical plans for His saints, even if they perplex us, are worth trusting – for His glory, and our ultimate satisfaction and joy.
Praying that you would find joy in searching the mysterious of God this advent season, church family.
In Christ’s Mercy,
Pastor Ryan A