Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

My favorite album has a unique melody. In the opening track it is driving, very apparent, prominent to the point of being haunting. I had recognized it faintly in other tracks but over time I realized this melody was part of every track on the album.

In places the voices carried the melody, even though the lyrics were different. The tempo changed often, masking the melody, allowing it to come through faintly. You had to know the melody and listen for it. Different instruments would carry the melody. It is amazing how the same melody changes when played by kettle drums verses chimes.

Then the full orchestra renditions would take the melody up beyond the level of normal rendering, massive and overwhelming with each section carrying their part, blending together as no single instrument could obtain.

It occurred to me that this is the same with Jesus in the bible. Once you know Jesus you can find Him throughout the bible. Hidden within the voices, hidden with the words, hidden within the context, Jesus is there, everywhere.

John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

But first you must hear the melody.

1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Untitled, just another one of those mysteries. If you find personal meaning in this devotional, feel free to give it your own title.

Do you like magic? Some call it illusion. Either way, I think we all can see entertainment value in some way. For some it is the thrill of seeing the results, even if expected. For some it is in trying to understand the mystery behind the illusion. For some understanding how things work takes all the joy out of it.

I woke up this morning with a new found respect for the stewardship of the mysteries of God, the kingdom, or of heaven. I am one who enjoys the glimpse into the mysteries. I lost sight of the stewardship last night and I paid for it. I did not rest in my revelation of a mystery which found no value or joy for much of anyone. So I lost some sleep trying to prove to myself how I got to see what I saw and back it up from the Word.

Two things were found.

1 Corinthians 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (love), I am nothing.

2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

While I may find comfort in a mystery, a good steward waits to see a fellow believer troubled before sharing that comfort.