Searching The Depths!

On this day in history 83 years ago William Beebe set a record.  On June 11, 1930, Beebe dove to a record-setting depth of 1,426 feet off the coast of Bermuda. He used a diving chamber, invented by Otis Barton,  called a bathysphere.

This caught my eye because of the derivation of the word “bathysphere.”  It’s a compound word. The first part comes from the Greek word “bathos” which means deep.   It’s used by Paul in explaining the revelation of God’s Word by the Holy Spirit. 

But as it is written:  “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.

 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. (1 Cor 2:9-12)

Who Can Know the Mind of God?

Often we hear of someone who claims some tragedy is the “will of God.”  A tornado that destroys property, devastates a community, and brings death is called the will of God.  Really?   I’ve heard everything from automobile accidents, to mass murders, to immoral actions attributed to God’s will.

Let’s be clear about this.  There is only one sure way that I know God’s will. And that is what the Holy Spirit has revealed.  The apostle Paul and other Bible authors affirmed their writings were inspired by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 3:3-5).  The Spirit guided them into ALL Truth (John 16:13).

Just like the bathyphere explored the depths of the ocean floor,  The Holy Spirit has revealed the depths of the Mind of God.  The will of God. The Message of God. 

The Deep Things of God

The Holy Spirit has a complete knowledge of Deity.  He knows His hidden counsels.  His purposes.  His designs.   The deep things of God include his providential care.  His personal involvement in the cosmos. His plan to save us from sin.

It is impossible for humans to comprehend it all.  Jehovah affirmed this through the prophet Isaiah.  For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.  “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. (Isa. 55:8-9)

So, Paul would exclaim, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Rom 11:33)

What we are able to understand,  need to understand, and God wants us to know, the Holy Spirit has revealed to us.

The deep things of God reveal our origin.  Our purpose.  And our destiny.  The Spirit inspired Word, we call the Bible, is a fountain of living water from which we can drink deeply. Quench our spiritual thirst. Refresh our spirits. And restore our souls.

What Do You Need?

When you need comfort, encouragement and consolation, meditate on the Psalms.

When you’re searching for  meaning to human suffering, read the book of Job.

When you’re seeking the purpose of earthly life, drink deeply from the book of Ecclesiastes.

When you’re looking for counsel, direction and practical advise, consult the wisdom of Proverbs.

When you want a role model for living, read about Jesus’ life in Matthew, Mark and Luke.

When you’re exploring evidence for Jesus’ Deity, read the book of John.

When desiring to learn about the birth of Christianity and God’s plan for salvation, read the book of Acts.

When you’re struggling for direction in Christian living, read the epistles of Paul.

Thank God for his “spiritual bathyshere.”  For the Holy Spirit’s work. And for the revelation of the “deep things of God” found in the Bible.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman