Paradox
A paradox is defined as a seemingly self-contradictory statement that, when investigated or explained, is in fact true. The Bible contains some statements that are seemingly self-contradictory, yet the more we learn about God, the more we realize the truth of these statements. We read in Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV), “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Some examples of God’s divine logic include the following scriptures.
Galatians 2:20a (KJV) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.
Luke 17:33 (ESV) Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.
1 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise.
Matthew 23:12 (NLT) But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Matthew 20:16 (NLT) So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.
Matthew 23:11(ESV) The greatest among you shall be your servant.
2 Corinthians 12:10 (NLT) That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Proverbs 11:24 (NLT) Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.
James 1:2-3 (ESV) Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness
To some, the paradoxical statements in the Bible may seem absurd. We find life by losing it? To be first we must be last? Trials in life are counted as joy? When we are weak, we are strong? At times, in life, we experience circumstances that we simply do not understand. We face a paradox. Yet, in God’s timing, and usually in hindsight, we begin to see God’s purposes revealed. Our lack of complete understanding of these paradoxes becomes clearer the more we know about God through His Word. As the Holy Spirit teaches God’s truth we experience a deeper understanding of God.
In 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NLT) we read, “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.”
I have been reading about the history of the Pilgrims as they traveled across the ocean in a crowded ship, facing the perils of disease and hardship. In the book The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions, edited by Arthur Bennett, I found this prayer which is rephrased for clarity.
Lord high and holy, meek and lowly,
You have brought me to the valley of vision,
where I live in the deep, but see You in the heights;
hemmed in by mountains of sin, I see Your glory.
Let me learn by paradox
That the way down is the way up,
That to be low is to be high,
That the broken heart is the healed heart,
That the contrite spirit is the joyful spirit,
That the remorseful soul is the victorious soul,
That to have nothing is to possess it all,
That to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
That to give is to receive,
That the valley is the place of vision.
Lord in the daytime, stars can be seen in the deepest wells,
And the deeper the wells, the brighter the stars shine;
Let me find Your light in my darkness,
Your life in my death,
Your joy in my sorrow,
Your grace in my sin,
Your riches in my poverty
Your glory in my valley.
If you are facing a situation that seems like a paradox, ask yourself, “What is God teaching me?” This very situation may lead you to a peace, joy, rest or victory that demonstrates God’s enduring love for you.
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how unfathomable His ways. Romans 11:33 (NLT)
This is so deep. Thank you for the wealth of treasure to explore and ponder here, Carol.
Thank you Carol for sharing these Bible passages and your wisdom with us.