1 Corinthians 2:6–9 (NASB)

“Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; but just as it is written:

‘Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard,
And which have not entered the human heart,
All that God has prepared for those who love Him.’” Emphasis is mine.

I have always cherished this passage, because it speaks of a reality my eyes have not seen, my ears have not heard, and my heart can scarcely fathom. Yet, by God’s grace, I have tasted of it, just enough to know my spirit yearns for more.

Have you noticed that the text does not say, “which have not entered the human mind”? Instead, it says, “the human heart.” Why? Because we are made in the image of God, and our spirits are drawn to Him instinctively. As lost sheep, we are incomplete until reconciled with our Maker. After rebirth, when God’s Spirit indwells us, our hearts are pulled ever deeper toward Him, much like a moth to the light. The mind may reason and resist, but the heart, our spirit, hungers for Him. Only after the Spirit dwells within can mind and heart be united in the pursuit of God.

Years ago, God allowed me to taste His immense love, something I had never known even existed until then. That moment changed me, and I have never forgotten it.

Now, at eighty years old, walking with my wife of over fifty-four years through the valley of dementia, I see more clearly the battles between mind and spirit, the grace given again and again, and the lessons I was slow to learn. These hard realities have shown me the depth of my own limitations. I cannot stand in my strength, “for apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). That truth is no longer theory; it is lived reality. I see my insufficiency in ways I never could before, and with it, I have discovered the surpassing sufficiency of His grace.

Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that God’s grace is sufficient, and that His power is perfected in weakness. I may not yet boast in weakness as Paul did, but I can certainly acknowledge that in my weakness, Christ’s strength is made known. Likewise, Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28–30 has become deeply personal: in dependency, I find rest.

Sometimes I am simply undone with gratitude. God’s mercy, patience, and forgiveness through the blood of His Son are staggering when grasped, even dimly. The older I grow, the more I see that Paul’s resolve in 1 Corinthians 2:2 is the only focus worth holding: “For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.”

“For God so loved …”
“Yet not My will, but Yours …”
“It is finished.”

These truths center everything.

From one sheep in God’s flock to another,

Respectfully submitted for your consideration

Worthy is the Lamb! Blessings.

Bruce Cooper is a disciple of Jesus, married to Peggy, with 5 grown up children, 7 grandchildren. He is retired from the Canadian Armed Forces and resides in beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. a.k.a. “Papa.” To read more of Bruce’s work visit Reasoned Cases For Christ.