The timeless One
entered
our time and space,
Word becomes flesh
shows us glory.
The timeless One
entered
our time and place,
fulfilling promises
meeting requirements.
The timeless One
entered
our time and place,
healing disease
freeing captives.
The timeless One
entered
our time and place,
Second Adam resists
where First Adam failed.
The timeless One
entered
our time and place,
proclaiming divinity
speaking wisdom.
The timeless One
entered
our time and place,
humbling himself
willing to suffer.
The timeless One
entered
our time and place,
suffering servant
sacrificial lamb.
The timeless One
entered
our time and place,
righteousness accomplished
dying in our place.
The timeless One
entered
our time and place,
Son of Man
Son of God.
The timeless One
entered
our time and place,
amazing grace
God’s greatest gift.
The timeless One
entered
our time and place.
“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:9-14)
Such mystery:
the eternal One
enters time,
the Creator
becomes a creature,
God becomes a man,
the Son of Man
carried by one he created.
Such mystery:
the Law Giver
submits to law’s commands,
the all-sufficient One
a dependent child,
the King of kings
in a stable born.
Such mystery:
the Lord of lords
greeted by shepherds, not kings
The One all should serve
comes to serve
The One without need
now hungry and tired.
Such mystery:
the Creator of Adam
becomes the Second Adam,
the glorious One
becomes our substitute
righteous for us
suffering for us
dying for us
rising for us.
Such mystery
for us now,
but from eternity planned
that we would know him
forgiven by him
adopted through him
united to him.
Such mystery
will someday be no more,
he who came to us
will receive us
to be with him
like him forever
in that final place
where all things are new.
“Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.” (Romans 16:25-27)
God bless,
Paul David Tripp
Reflection Questions
1. How does the New Year and the flipping of the calendar remind you of your finite limits? What were you unable to accomplish in 2021 that you originally planned to achieve?
2. What plans do you have for 2022? Where have you focused the eyes of your heart for the New Year? What do these plans and goals reveal about what is important to you?
3. Read Psalm 90. “For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night” (v. 4). Why should this Psalm comfort you? How does the timelessness of God impact your life? (See also 2 Peter 3:8, “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.")
4. Read James 4:13-17, the “Boasting About Tomorrow” passage. How do these verses sober your 2022 plans and goals? Is your heart prepared if the Lord radically changes the trajectory of your year?
5. How has the plan of God in your life been a mystery to you? Where is God still keeping his secret will a secret from you? How are you responding to not knowing what the Lord holds for your future?
6. Search your Bible for other verses and passages about mystery. What can you learn about the mystery of the gospel?
