In 2006, a clam was dredged out of the icy waters off the coast of Iceland. This clam caught the attention of scientists because it is considered the oldest living creature ever discovered. Originally, it was calculated to be about 405 years old, beating the then existing record by about 30 years. But further research revealed that the clam was actually 507 years old. And so, the clam was named Ming, in part because its age places its birth at the time of the Chinese 
Ming dynasty. Scientists hope that further study of Ming could lead to breakthroughs in understanding longevity of life.
Yet, despite its significance for scientific research, the process of determining Ming’s age also resulted in tragedy. The age of clams is determined by counting the number of growth rings or lines on its shell. However, the rings can be clearly seen on the inside surface of the shell. This means that, for the scientists to determine Ming’s age, they had to pry it open, and in doing so inadvertently killed the clam. Who knows how much longer Ming would have lived if it were left alone.
Scientific inquiry, among other things, is about gathering information and offering explanations for the mechanisms of nature. Sometimes, though, I wonder if our desire to gather information and to come up with explanations for almost everything may actually prevent us from fully experiencing and enjoying what is studied. Perhaps we need to recognize that there are certain things that are better enjoyed on their own terms.
This may be especially relevant when humans try to understand God and his ways. While Scripture does invite us to know God and his ways, we must also recognize that we can know only what God chooses to reveal. We deceive ourselves if we think we can reach a level of knowledge where we are able to explain everything about God. It would be wise to let God be God, and learn to trust him with the things that we cannot fully understand. “The secret things belong to the LORD our God” (Deuteronomy 29.29 NIV).
Indeed, there are things about God that should remain a mystery. For he is the God of wonders. In our attempt to gain intellectual mastery of the things of God, we may be in danger of losing that important sense of wonder and awe that fuels the kind of worship that is heartfelt and profound. God cannot be “killed” but our experience of him as the almighty and living God may be severely diminished. We would do well to declare: “My heart is not proud, LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me” (Psalm 131.1 NIV).
—Keith Y. Jainga