Seeing the Unseen

For centuries, mathematicians felt stumped. There was a practical need to calculate the “square root” of negative numbers. But it appeared that there was no answer. Why? Because any number multiplied by itself is a positive number. There seemed to be no solution.

Then, in 1572, Italian mathematician Rafael Bombelli developed a theory that solved this problem. As was later described, Bombelli discovered “imaginary numbers.”

Today, mathematicians know that these numbers are real. But they are just one of the many mathematical concepts that seemingly defy definition. Perhaps the most widely known is “pi” (π), the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. π approximately equals 3.14159. Although it has been calculated to more than a million digits, it cannot be defined precisely.

These mathematical ideas usher us into a world of mystery. Lines. Circumferences. Dimensions. Things that exist, yet cannot be calculated precisely.

These concepts give us insights into spiritual truths and ideas that seem incomprehensible. The Bible describes how God is “eternal, immortal, invisible” (1 Timothy 1:17). It says His judgments are “unsearchable” and His ways are “unfathomable” (Romans 11:33).

Yet God is not a distant deity or a cold calculation. As Paul told the philosophically minded people of Athens, we can know the Lord personally, for “He is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27-28).

Many reject the existence of God, focusing instead on material things. But, as the Bible describes, the unseen world is real. In fact, it is the essence of our faith, for “the things we cannot see will last forever” (NLT). For those with faith, the unseen realm is the key to life.

Today, step out in faith. Get to know this great, eternal, immortal, invisible God. Let Him reveal more of His mysteries to you!