It's Not in Code

In his book How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking, Jordan Ellenberg refers to a group of rabbinical scholars who have studied the Torah in detail and come up with a code that says the birth and death dates of famous rabbis are embedded within the text. The Torah, or course, is the Hebrew Scriptures that includes the Pentateuch (Genesis through Deuteronomy), as well as other written and oral traditions. Ellenberg’s point is that these scholars are not thinking logically, because if you look hard enough, you can find a code in anything. I am not judging these scholars, but I do want to point out two things that strike me in his analysis.

First of all, why would you look for a code that reveals something about God in Scripture? All of Scripture reveals God, His nature, and His purpose. God didn’t need to write it in code.

God exists. We can see that all around us. “In the Beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

“In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

“…because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:18-20)

His nature is one of compassion and love but also judgement and holiness. Because He is holy, our sins require judgement, but because He is loving and compassionate, we are not consumed. “For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am holy…” (Leviticus 11:4)

“He has made His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.” (Psalm 111:4)

Last Sunday’s message at Parker Hill Community Church was presented by Dan White, and he addresses this very dichotomy! He says Jesus’s death on the cross was God’s “Would You Rather?” question. Have you ever played that game? "Would you rather have a beak like a chicken or a tail like an alligator? Would you rather be rich and ugl or poor and beautiful?" God had to answer the question "Would you rather be just or merciful towards sinners?" God decided He would choose to poor out His wrath toward our sin onto His Son and thereby fulfill both sides of the question! Check out the video! Choose "The Road: Love" to hear that particular message.

And that is His purpose: to reconcile a broken world and a fallen people to Himself, through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but will have everlasting life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:16-17)

My point: God told us precisely what we wanted to know. He didn’t need to hide it in code.

Which brings me to point number two: these scholars were looking, seeking, they wanted to know. We are the fallen people living in a broken world, and our hearts are seeking something to fix our brokenness. Some people seek it in the wrong places, like in alcohol and sex and spending, and even in good things like nature and self-love. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8) Now, for the record, don’t take this out of context and say God will give you whatever you ask for. He won’t. He’s God, not Santa Claus. The paragraphs surrounding these verses tell us Jesus is speaking specifically about the Kingdom of God. Seek the Kingdom of God, and you’ll find it. But not just anywhere: not in relationships or meditating on a mountain or through ritual and religion. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (the words of Jesus in John 14:6)

I do not judge those rabbinical scholars for coming up with a code that may or may not reveal the names of rabbis and the days they were born. I rejoice that these men are looking! And I pray they will continue to look, for God will answer them! And you, Dear Reader, created by God for a purpose and loved by Him, can also find your answers in the Bible. Not in a code, but in the words of God who moved heaven and earth to save you!

As we remember Christ’s death and celebrate His resurrection, let us remember and rejoice that our God has plainly shown us the way to reconcile with Him and has provided the means to do so!