The ten days between the Ascension and Pentecost must have been confusing for the disciples. They were bereft of Jesus’ presence again, but had not yet received the Holy Spirit. What was going on? How could they understand what God was up to?

I know what it’s like to be puzzled about God. I thought I understood God until I took theology courses in seminary. I was utterly confused. Some years later I took a degree in philosophy to see if it would help me comprehend theology. What really helped in philosophy was one statement by Ludwig Wittgenstein, “What we cannot speak about we must pass over in silence.”*  That’s pretty much what Christian mystics say. We really can’t talk much about God because the divine nature is beyond the limits of human language and understanding.

That way of thinking (or not thinking) about God has influenced me greatly. I appreciate silence in worship. I often pray with only a few words or without words at all. I read Scripture and let it reveal its truth to me. I refrain from pronouncements as if I knew exactly what God wants. I have come to accept that the words “Thy will be done” are essential to the Christian life even when I have difficulty really meaning them.

I don’t belittle theologians or others who work at explaining God. They may have received that gift.  I haven’t.  I acknowledge the mystery of God and in my confusion strive to “fear, love, and trust in God above all else” (Small Catechism, Explanation to the First Commandment).

Read Psalm 139 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne

*Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, p. 74.