God’s Wisdom

A Hymn of Praise

…this extravagant generosity of God…?

Romans 11:33-36 MSG

I’ve spent the last several weeks reading and re-reading my favorite passages in Paul’s letter to the Roman believers. I wanted those profound truths to sink into my heart and mind—salvation, redemption, Holy Spirit empowerment, intercession and sovereignty. Paul’s Hymn of Praise perfectly captured how I felt about all I had read. 

Out of curiosity, I decided to see how Eugene Peterson translated Paul’s words in The Message translation. I’ve copied a section called A Hymn of Praise below as a fitting way to share my wonder and awe at God’s gifts to us, His children. The passage begins with a profound question then climaxes with a strong affirmation.  

Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It’s way over our heads. We’ll never figure it out.

Is there anyone around who can explain God?
Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do?
Anyone who has done him such a huge favor
    that God has to ask his advice?
Everything comes from him;
Everything happens through him;
Everything ends up in him.
Always glory! Always praise!
    Yes. Yes. Yes.

Romans 11:33-36 MSG

My answer to Paul’s question is, “No. I have never come across anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God—His deep, deep wisdom. May He be glorified forever!”

Linda Les