The Book of Mysteries

Who doesn’t love to explore a good mystery? The very word mystery calls to mind hidden things or secrets just waiting to be discovered. Without a doubt there is no greater book of mysteries than the collection of sacred texts we call the Bible. The apostle Paul in his epistles to the Colossians acknowledged such mysteries by boldly claiming:

“…to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2-3)

Today some of those Biblical mysteries are retold by bestselling author Johnathan Cahn. I must admit this probably is the most unique book I’ve read this year. Part daily devotional, part allegory, and part mystery, Mr. Cahn takes some of the most important principles, stories, and truths of the Bible and retells them in an engaging way which compels you to keep reading.

The format of this book is a 365 day devotional written as a story told from the perspective of a teacher and his student. Frankly, as I started this book I was skeptical about this approach but I soon realized that it works. The narrative kept the story moving so well and the subjects were so intriguing that instead of 365 days it might normally take to read this book, eight hours later I realized I had finished the book.

Now for those wondering if the title “mystery” doesn’t make the book sound just a little sensational I can tell you subjects discussed in this book did indeed do the title justice. This was a great adventure in some of the Bible’s greatest mysteries, the central theme of which was YHWH’s redemptive love as worked out through the history of the Jewish people and the promised “seed” of Yeshua, mankind’s salvation of YHWH.

As I read this book last night I highlighted some of the daily devotionals of special interest or profound insight which I intended to share later in this review. Well, when I was finished and I had read back through my bookmarks I realized that I had dozens and dozens so that it would be impractical to reproduce them here. Suffice to say this book is about God’s love for mankind and the many wonderful ways in which that love is expressed in Biblical record.

I will say there were a few stories in this book that I didn’t completely understand and there were also a few which I felt overreached the underlying Biblical truth but this may have been due to my own lack of understanding or some misunderstanding on my part. I gave up a night’s sleep to read this book and frankly it was worth every minute of it. I appreciated the message of this book so much that I will be purchasing a paperback copy to read as part of our family devotional. It will be sure to engender much wonderful discussion.

I would like to just mention just one devotional which really meant a lot to me personally. The subject of Daniel 9 and the prophecy of 70 weeks is a subject which is dear to my heart. On day 320 in his book Mr. Cahn talks about The Karat or the cutting of a covenant with Abraham and the “cutting off” of the Messiah. He makes some truly wonderful points in this devotional which many miss when discussing the topic.

Not mentioned, but also worth noting is that karath (cutting off) is first mentioned in the Biblical record in regards to Noah and the destruction of mankind. There the waters karath mankind because of their sins. Nearly 1500 years later the Messiah was karath (cut off) but not for himself. Indeed he died so that all mankind would not have to perish. In any case this is a wonderful Biblical theme which is worthy of further discussion and reflection.

In closing let me say I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a wonderful journey through many of the Bible’s greatest mysteries. I didn’t agree everything Mr. Cahn wrote but the book has a wonderful redemptive message which really shines through. This is a book which will keep you thinking long after you’ve read the last page.