Fixing Our Gaze: The Call Beyond the Mystery
Have you ever been captivated by the allure of a mystery? The kind that stirs your curiosity, demanding answers yet never fully revealing its secrets? As believers, we often find ourselves drawn to the enigmatic corners of Scripture—the Nephilim, the hidden patterns of prophecy, the awe-inspiring imagery of Revelation. These themes ignite our imagination and fuel endless discussions.
But in the quiet of my soul, I’ve come to wonder: do we sometimes cling to these mysteries to avoid the deeper, often more challenging, work God longs to do in us?
The Allure of Mystery
When I first came to Christ in 1995, my heart was alight with joy and hope. As a former atheist who resisted the gospel with all my might, I was overwhelmed by the freedom of salvation and the promise of eternity. Yet, in those early years, my focus wasn’t on knowing Christ deeply—it was on unraveling the peculiar wonders of Scripture.
The Nephilim fascinated me. Who were these mysterious giants of Genesis 6? What secrets did their brief mention conceal? And the Book of Revelation—it drew me in like a storm on the horizon, mysterious and thrilling. I devoured teachings that delved into these topics, my heart racing with every new interpretation.
But when the focus shifted to topics like loving my neighbor, walking in humility, or cultivating peace and patience—the fruit of the Spirit—I tuned out. I wasn’t ready to face the cracks in my heart, the struggles with control, pride, and self-reliance.
Looking back, I see now that my fascination with the mysterious was, in part, a distraction. It was easier to dwell on the speculative than to confront what God was asking of me: surrender, transformation, and a relationship rooted in trust and intimacy.
The Heart Behind the Mystery
Scripture invites us to study and meditate on its truths, but it also calls us to fix our gaze on Christ, the source of all wisdom and understanding.
When the disciples pressed Jesus about the future restoration of Israel, He responded with a gentle redirection:
"It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:7-8).
Jesus turned their attention from speculation to mission, from unraveling mysteries to living out the gospel.
A Journey of Transformation
In those early years, I didn’t realize how much I was missing by keeping my focus on the external. It wasn’t until much later—when the Spirit began to break through my illusions of control—that I saw the true beauty of the gospel.
Paul’s words in Philippians 3:10-11 became my anchor:
"I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death."
This longing—to know Christ—goes beyond intellectual curiosity. It calls us into the depths of His love, His sufferings, His resurrection power. It’s a call to abide, to let Him shape and refine us, even when it means letting go of the mysteries we once clung to.
The Subtle Danger of Distraction
It’s not wrong to explore theological questions or study the more mysterious parts of Scripture. But when these pursuits overshadow our relationship with Christ, they become distractions.
Paul’s warning in Titus 3:9 is a gentle reminder:
"Avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless."
When we let speculative pursuits take center stage, we risk:
Missing the Heart Work: The Spirit invites us to examine our hearts, but we can avoid this by focusing outwardly.
Forgetting Our Mission: Endless debates can shift our focus from reflecting Christ to those around us.
Hindering Unity: These conversations often divide rather than unite the body of Christ.
An Invitation to Refocus
What if we laid down the speculative and took up the call to abide in Christ? What if our conversations shifted from unraveling mysteries to walking in love, grace, and surrender?
In my own journey, I’ve found peace in asking heart questions:
Am I using this pursuit as a distraction from what God is asking of me?
How can I refocus my energy on knowing Christ more deeply?
Instead of debating the identity of the Nephilim or the Antichrist, I’m learning to rest in the simplicity and sufficiency of Christ. As Paul writes in Philippians 3:8:
"What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."
Encouragement for Today
The allure of mystery is real, but the joy of knowing Christ is far greater. Let’s not let speculative pursuits keep us from the transforming work God wants to do in our lives. Instead, let’s fix our gaze on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
May we press on, not in pursuit of answers to mysteries, but in pursuit of the One who holds all mysteries in His hands.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of Your Word, which draws us to You. Keep our eyes fixed on You, our hearts aligned with Your purposes, and our lives surrendered to Your Spirit. Let us not be distracted by what we cannot fully understand, but instead, let us rest in Your love and sufficiency. Transform us, Lord, and use us to reflect Your glory. Amen.