Mystery or secret by definition is something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain to human beings. Within the larger context of world religion when this mystery is revealed, why some still interpret incorrectly or misunderstood?
As I traveled to different places overseas for few weeks, few related questions pondered in mind; especially, as to why a revealed mystery is misinterpreted? Or, why some failed to understand the uncovered mystery? Is there a direct correlation between this mystery and cleanliness? Why did some fail to sustain the faith that was made known through divine inspiration of their forefathers?
Mystery referred herein is God’s will through His Son Jesus Christ! Apostle Paul explains this mystery very clearly to us by stating that “having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself (Eph.1:9 NKJV).” “The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people (Col.1:26 NIV).” “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus (Eph. 3:6 NIV).”
Why for some, God’s disclosed mystery is still failed to get the meaning of it? Is it possible as Apostle Paul stated that “professing themselves to be wise, they became fools (Rom. 1:22 NKJV)?” Is this mystery correlated with cleanliness? Is it because of as what Jesus Christ stated that “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First, clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean (Mt. 23:25-26 NIV).”
I’m reminded of a common phrase that is, “cleanliness is next to godliness.” I’m told that this phrase was first recorded in 1778 in a sermon by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. In fact, Wesley is the first person who revealed this mystery that is birth of Son of God, Jesus Christ to our forefathers. As a result, today most of our family members, friends, and few relatives are celebrating Christmas throughout the world! Wesley’s ministry taught us the cleanliness according to His word. Had it not for His word, we would be still living in filthy and immoral conditions; therefore, I admire him. It is my humble prayer that this mystery can be understood by each and everyone in this world.
Merry Christmas!