"For who has known the mind of the Lord? or who has become His adviser?"
Truth to Learn
God is infinitely more intelligent and wise than we are; therefore, we have no reason to question his actions or plans.
Behind the Words
“Known” is from ginōskō, which means “to know, either in a beginning or completed sense.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense, indicating action that occurred in the past at a point in time. It does not express the process of gaining knowledge of God, but of having such knowledge.
The word translated “mind” is noun, which refers to “the consciousness that precedes actions or recognizes and judges them. That is, intelligence and understanding.”
“Adviser” is from the Greek word, sumboulos, which is made up of sun, meaning “together” and a form of boulē, meaning “advice or counsel.” Together they indicate “someone who is called together to give counsel or advice.”
Meaning Explained
A parallel verse to the current one is 1Cointhisns 2:16:
For "who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
Both our current verse and this one above appear to be paraphrases of Isaiah’s words:
Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or instructed Him as His counselor? (Isaiah 40:13)
Paul is teaching us that God is infinitely more knowledgeable and wise that any man. No man can teach God anything nor could any man ever give counsel to the infinitely wise God. Earthly rulers have advisors to consult in times of difficulty or danger, but God needs no such council. He sits alone on His throne, ruling over all His creation with perfect wisdom.
Before we were saved, we did not know God’s mind, his intentions, or His plans. It is only since we have received His gift of grace that we now have “the mind of Christ” as we see in 1Corinthians 2:16. Therefore, who are we to question His plan of pruning out the Jews and grafting in the Gentiles until the fullness of the Gentiles comes? Who are we to question why He will once again turn to the Israelites and lead them in the ways of salvation? Who are we to question why God allows some to suffer the consequences of their sinful ways and bestows His grace on others, choosing them to be saved when they don’t deserve it? Who are we to ask Him “Why?” when He allows sorrow or heartbreak or tragedy to come into our lives? Who are we to question anything that God does?
Instead of trying to make God’s words say what we want them to say, let us accept His teaching as truth – God’s truth! Instead of questioning Him, let us humble ourselves before Almighty God, submitting ourselves to His will and committing ourselves to living His way.
Application
Instead of asking “Why?” let us simply ask, “What? What do you want me to learn from this, God? Teach me, for I am here to do Your will, O God!”
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved
