Pulpit Today

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 does the impossible!  With unhindered ease He parts waters, quenches fire, and tames lions.  Nothing perplexes or constrains Him.  But notice the context of this verse.  It is not primarily about God’s demonstration; it concerns His revelation.  God challenges Jeremiah to ask for insight into things that are concealed and indiscoverable—things that are unsearchable through human endeavor.  When you compare translations of this passage, God’s challenge becomes even clearer.

The NIV says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”  The NLT says, “Ask me and I will tell you some remarkable secrets about what is going to happen here.” And the YNG version says, “Call unto Me, and I do answer thee, yea, I declare to thee great and fenced things—thou hast not known them.”  What is the meaning of God’s invitation to disclose “unsearchable . . . secret . . . [and] fenced things”?  God offers to reveal things that cannot be searched out by any means apart from Him!  That which is concealed to the sage and scientist can be laid bare to the one that petitions God.  In fact, the only means of discovering “things that are unknown” is by seeking the One who holds 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 pay his dues (Matthew 17:27).  This was an “unsearchable thing” Jesus disclosed to Peter.  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 circle the city and then shout praises.

God has answers to indecipherable problems and He delights in unveiling astounding disclosures.  That is why He issues the challenge: “Call to me.”  It is why His promise is certain: “I will answer you.”  And it’s why His revelation will astound you and reveal “great and unsearchable things.”