“but just as it is written, ‘THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.’” 1 Corinthians 2:9, NASB
“So does she have a place to stay?” I inquired.
“Well …” he responded.
And so the story went. A brief conversation on Tuesday resulted in our family hosting a friend’s lovely fiancee this weekend. Though time seems to evaporate like early morning mist, Mark and I sensed we should accept this opportunity. Gladly we did, and what an unplanned delight!
Showing sincere hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters results in blessing for all involved. But before company arrives, hospitality requires preparation. Thankfully my dear children agreeably helped, and our guest’s room appeared in welcoming order when she arrived. Though not perfectly clean, the rest of our home looked suitable as well.
Speaking of preparation, God revealed a precious gem from His Word before I busied myself with housecleaning. I can’t recall how many times I’ve read 1 Corinthians 2:9 with warm gratitude. Yet yesterday morning the Holy Spirit focused my attention on God’s preparation “FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.” Scripture basically conveys that these things are unimaginable–so intensely fabulous that we humanly cannot comprehend them. Previously I usually attached this meaning to the glorious future awaiting God’s people. Unquestionably we can’t adequately anticipate eternity spent with God, and I, for one, am incredibly excited. But reading further in this Corinthians passage exposed a breath-taking truth: God has prepared inconceivable things today ”FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM”!
These “things” consist of God’s thoughts and that which He’s freely given to us (vs. 11-12). Generously God reveals them through the Spirit (vs. 10).
Now that’s something to get excited about! Perhaps you’re feeling dried out or empty in your relationship with God. Maybe you don’t hunger for His Word or expectantly engage in prayer. Possibly you’re going through “Christian” motions without any passion or heartbeat.
Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him, and each time Peter unhesitatingly answered, “Yes.” Yet Peter might have wondered, “Of course I do–why is Jesus even posing this question?” Just as the “Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God,” (vs. 10), so Jesus searched Peter’s heart. And ours.
“Do you love Me?” He probes.
For those who indeed love God, we can rejoice in ALL God already has prepared for us. He has so much more for us to learn and experience once we’re saved. Truly salvation serves as the beginning. From that point, lovingly, amazingly, unbelievably God shares His thoughts–everything He’s freely given us!–through the Spirit. If that doesn’t send an awakening surge of awe and excitement through us, I’m not certain what will.
To God be the glory–HE is magnificent and majestic, tender and true!
“Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah.” Psalm 24:10
photo credit: Alessandro Pinna via photopin cc
