Looking Into the Vast Sea of God's Wisdom and Ways
Thinking about Romans 11:33-36.
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
"FOR WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD? OR WHO HAS BECOME HIS COUNSELOR?" "OR WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM AND IT SHALL BE REPAID TO HIM?"
For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36)
As Paul wraps up what’s sometimes called the “theological section” of Romans, he concludes by contemplating the immeasurable depth of God’s wisdom, knowledge, judgments, and ways.
After considering God’s great plan of redemption for all people - Jews and Gentiles - Paul praises God for being far greater than human beings.
It’s Like Looking Into the Deep Ocean.
The opening words, Oh, the depth, are very emotional. They suggest one standing “on the edge of a cliff, looking down into the fathomless sea of God’s riches.” - Pollard, Truth for Today Commentary, 413
I’ve stood on the beach before and looked out at the horizon. It just keeps going and going. And then, when you consider how deep the ocean is, it also boggles the mind.
Paul compares God’s wisdom and knowledge to the ocean's vast depths. He also describes God’s judgments and ways as being “unsearchable.” His point is not that we can’t know anything about God - clearly, we can by studying His word.
Paul’s point is that the human mind can never explore all there is to know about who God is, what He knows, and what He does.
God is Sovereign.
Earthly monarchs have counselors of state, whom they may consult in times of perplexity or danger. But God has no such council. He sits alone; nor does He call in any or all of his creatures to advise him, for none of those created beings is qualified to contribute anything to enlighten or to direct Him. Did God ask advice from any created being so that He would know how to act? Hardly! - Reese, Romans, 541
Humanity is in no position to advise God about anything or to make demands of Him as if we have placed Him in our debt.
Even the great King Nebuchadnezzar admitted the greatness and sovereignty of God (Daniel 4:34-37).
Paul praises God's wisdom, knowledge, judgments, and ways in light of His eternal plan to bring Jews and Gentiles together in one body in Christ (Ephesians 3).
The more we consider all that God has done, the more we, too, will echo Paul’s words, “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever.”
God's will not mine