Passion for the Mystery – Ken Williams

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Ephesians 3:3-4 the apostle Paul wrote “…and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words (Ephesians 1-2), a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ.”

A mystery other than Christ first

Nancy and I settled in our seats for the six-hour flight from New York City to San Francisco. She chose the window seat, and I sat in the middle between her and a woman working on a quilt, a gift for her granddaughter. After introducing ourselves and sharing our admiration for the beautiful, skillfully crafted quilt, we opened our books.

After a couple hours of dozing and reading I turned to the quilter to see the progress she made bordering the quilt. She mentioned she took time off from work to relax with her daughter and granddaughter. I asked about her job, and she replied she was a professor at the University of Virginia and taught teachers to teach chemistry. They were on a break. She added, “I was a research chemist for the U.S. government in Washington D.C. but became bored, so I joined the faculty at UVA.” Surprised, I asked, “You became bored as a research chemist for the U.S. government?” This started a conversation that lasted until we landed in San Francisco. The time flew by (Yes, pun intended).

“Bored?” I asked. She answered, “research is fascinating, but I discovered I love people and teaching.” After pausing she added, “But I find teachers too sensitive and territorial. Scientists critique one another’s research; we argue.” She learned I had been in pastoral ministry, and I asked, “Your observation about teachers could be said about church pastors, so what makes you scientists so objective?” She eagerly replied, “Oh, we’re no less human than church pastors and teachers but we debate the facts, not how we feel about chemical science. It’s not personal.” I sat, considering this gem of wisdom. She added, “I’d walk across a swamp full of allegators if I knew I’d find new facts concerning the science of chemistry. I have a passion for the mystery of chemistry!” Passion!  “Passion for the mystery!”

The mystery of Christ

In addition to being a mother, a grandmother, quilter, research scientist, professor at UVA, she shared that she is Jewish. I had seen Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion” a year before our flight to San Francisco and considered the controversy concerning antisemitism. I wanted to ask her opinion but realized this would not be a question concerning facts but rather, feelings. I had gained respect for my neighbor, hoping for the best, I asked, “What do you think about the movie ‘The Passion?’ Some say it is antisemitic.” She paused and answered with some facts about her experience with antisemitism, “I belonged to a sorority when I was a student at Yale, and one of my sorority sisters told me that Jews are Christ killers!” I winced considering how she felt but she finished by saying, “After Pope John XXIII and Vatican II I had the last laugh.” I chuckled, enjoying the irony, and then thanked her for sharing her wisdom with me. I shared one last thought saying I believe Jesus’ love for us compelled him to die for all of us. The conversation ended as the flight captain announced our approach to San Francisco.

The mystery of Christ creating one new humanity

Twenty years later I’m still moved by, “I have a passion for the mystery of chemistry!” I desire to be as motivated to pursue Jesus Christ as my flight neighbor was motivated to pursue the mystery of chemical science. Jesus Christ is the Triune God’s self-revelation, revealing the Father’s heart, the love that he is. I love the apostle Paul’s prayer, asking for my head and the eyes of my heart to be enlightened (Ephesians 1:17-18). God transforms people of earth’s nations, the multiple ethnicities, and races by combining head and heart in all who are added to the Body of Jesus Christ. Those who receive the Son of God, believe in his name, are made into God’s children, one new humanity.

O.K. but what about disagreeing on facts while avoiding getting personal?

The apostle Paul worked hard in sharing Jesus’ gospel with Gentiles. He debated with his fellow Jews as they argued concerning the New Covenant. It came down to Jewish members of Jesus’ church accepting that the Gentile converts did not have to become cultural Jews. Today we have a new challenge. The Gentile church must learn how to live and share Jesus’ gospel with Jews, without implying Jews need to change their culture.

The mystery of Christ makes this possible. Sharing the facts revealed in Scripture gets messy but our disagreements don’t have to be personal.

Ken and Nancy Williams served for some 25 years in pastoral ministry, and then almost another 20 years serving and mentoring other pastors.  With the heart of a pastor Ken continues to write and blog from upstate New York where he and Nancy live close to their grandchildren.