Point of Inspiration: Devotionals for Personal and Corporate Worship
Robert D. Pace
Jeremiah 33:3 has always inspired believers. God says, “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things which you have not known” (RSV). The omnipotent God is unconstrained! With unhindered ease He parts waters, quenches fire, and tames lions. Nothing perplexes or restrains Him. But notice the context of this verse. It is not primarily about God’s <em>demonstration;</em> it concerns His<em> revelation. </em> God is challenging Jeremiah to seek insight into things concealed and indiscoverable—things that are unsearchable through human endeavor. And when you compare translations of this passage, God’s challenge becomes even clearer!
The English Standard Version says, “Call to me and I will answer you, and will <em> tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” </em>
The NIV says, “Call to me and I will answer you and <em> tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” </em>
The NLT says, “Ask me and<em> I will tell you some remarkable secrets about what is going to happen here.” </em>
The YNG version says, “Call unto Me, and I do answer thee,<em> yea, I declare to thee great and fenced things—thou hast not known them.” </em>
The NASB says, “Call to Me and I will answer you, and<em> I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” </em>
What is the meaning of God’s invitation to disclose “unsearchable . . . secret . . . [and] fenced things”? It’s this: God offers to reveal things that cannot be discovered by any means apart from Him! That which is concealed to the sage and scientist can be laid bare to the one seeking the omniscient Lord. In fact, the only means of discovering “unsearchable things” is by approaching the One containing the secrets of the universe.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus told Peter an “unsearchable” way to pay his taxes. Peter was a professional fisherman, but he could have never imagined that reeling in a fish filled with money would discharge his taxes (Matthew 17:27).
In the Old Testament, God showed Joshua how to conquer Jericho. The strategy didn’t involve an embargo or burning the city; it was to silently circle the city for seven days and then shout praises.
God didn’t need a bridge for Israel’s passage over the Red Sea; Moses’ staff was enough.
He didn’t need swords and clubs to topple Goliath; a handheld slingshot did the job.
And today, God doesn’t need GPS devices to locate your place of blessing. A man or woman listening closely to God is enough.
Always remember: God has answers to indecipherable problems and He delights in unveiling them! (1) That is why God issued the challenge: “Call to me”; (2) It is why His promise is certain: “I will answer you”; And (3) it’s why His revelation will disclose: “great and unsearchable things.”