“None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” (1Corinthians 2:8)
What is apostle Paul talking about?
According to verse 7, here apostle Paul refers to “God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.” Paul is talking about God’s Plan of Salvation. He said (1) it has been hidden and (2) God destined it for our glory before time began, that is, the creation of the physical world or realm of time.
Clearly, the fact that Paul writes about it tells us that it is no longer hidden and not even to the rulers of this age -read Ephesians 2:10, “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.”….
Could you check yourself in a mirror and say: “I was destined for glory before I was conceived in my mother’s womb!” Praise the Lord!!!! Yes, that also is the truth that sets Free!
Of course, we understand that the rulers of this age could not have understood what was hidden from them by God -the rulers of this age refers to spiritual entities of the kingdom of darkness (see Ephesians 2:2, 6:12 and Revelation 12:9).
It is important to understand that here apostle Paul, using words taught by the Spirit of God (1Corinthians 2:12-13), is revealing the reason God had to keep hidden the message of the Cross, namely, to keep the rulers of this age from understanding it lest they refrain from crucifying the Lord of glory.
Allow me to digress and say the following: I find comforting to know that God’s plan concerning my destiny is hidden from powers of darkness to safeguard it (feel sorry for those who consult fortune tellers, seriously).
I understand that the devil and his agents work against anything they know God planned for me. Therefore, I cannot help but wonder, if even God chooses to keep things hidden, why are we quick to disclose everything about us, even things concerning our secret walk with God? Just think about it…..
Back to our verse. Remember what prophet Isaiah had written? Isaiah 53:10, “Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.”
Accordingly, the rulers of this age operate against the fulfilment of the will of God in the world (on earth). Hence, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory if they had understood the Cross in the context of God’s Plan of Salvation. Crucifying the Lord of glory was their biggest mistake….
Remember what the Lord of glory himself said about his life? John 12:34, “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” And, prophesying 8th Century before Christ, Isaiah revealed that “he will see his offering and prolong his days….”
You could be one of the many seeds (offspring) of the Lord of glory today and partake in his glory. It is so simple, you only need to believe that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for your sin and is alive today. You believe in him as your personal Lord and Saviour and invite him into your heart.
Hence, Easter season is one of the most exciting moments of the year for me as an opportunity to reflect on the foregoing. I hope we all celebrate with understanding as to praise the Lord for his wonderful work of grace and his unfailing love.
God help us all!
