7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed, because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, 8 others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. 9 But Herod said, "I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?" And he tried to see him.
Bewildered, Herod’s thoughts were confused and uncertain over what had been reported to him concerning this Jesus. Not only had He cast out demons, healed diseases and declared with authority the kingdom of God, this Jesus had bestowed upon His disciples His exact same power and authority. Evidently, it was the talk of the town. Some claimed John the Baptist has been raised, others that Elijah had returned or that the prophets of long ago were again making an appearance. Quite frankly, it left Herod scratching his head thinking “Who is this guy anyway?” Whenever God’s hand moves in full view of mankind, aren’t we all left a little bit like Herod? Scripture is filled with accounts of God’s actions being made manifest to man leaving the onlookers at that time with their mouths ajar and a bit bewildered (to say the least!). While God is always at work, sometimes it is a bit more evident to the human eye and mind than others. We so often have the tendency to put our own limitations on God assuming Him to be powerful only in human terms – big mistake! I am reminded of an account in the Old Testament of the prophet Elisha and his “quaking in his boots” servant who lacked an understanding and trust in the Lord:15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked. 16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."17 And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17 (NIV)
With God, we are never “outnumbered” – He is bigger than all. The prophet Isaiah also informs us of the creativity, strength and wisdom of God:12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? 3 Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? 14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding? 15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. 16 Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings. 17 Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing. Isaiah 40:12-17 (NIV)
God gives us insight through the pen of Paul regarding His wisdom:6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" -- 10 but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 1 Cor 2:6-11 (NIV)
The deep mysteries of God are revealed to His children through His Spirit as He illuminates God’s Word for them, they are not discerned through the wisdom of man. God Himself tells us: 8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)
David adds his insight in Psalm eight: 3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? Psalms 8:3-4 (NIV)
To answer Herod’s question stated in our verse today: “Who, then, is this I hear such things about?” Isaiah’s response would have been quite appropriate: 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV) “The man who has God for his treasure has all things in one.” A.W. Tozer