Many streams of religious thought acknowledge God as a supreme being who established a heavenly and earthly order, but is either passive or not active in the functioning of life; hence truth can be gained by observation of the natural world and through reason and philosophy. Such thought contradicts Scripture and God’s self-disclosure of who He is and how He acts. Jeremiah diligently engaged with God. He sensed God’s desire to be known and actively involved in the affairs of mankind. He recorded God’s exhortation to specifically know Him and relate with Him.
Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight, says the LORD.”
(Jeremiah 9:23-24)
RELEVANCE
God went a step further. He sent His Son to reveal the way of relating with Him, and released His Spirit to enable and empower us to do so. Paul’s entire motivation was to “know Him and the power of His resurrection” (Philippians 3:10) One phrase used throughout the Bible has always motivated me: “that you/they may know.”
“By this you shall know that the living God is among you” (Joshua 3:10).
“that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel” (1 Samuel 17:46).
“that all peoples of the earth may know Your name and fear You” (1 Kings 8:43).
“that this people may know that You are the LORD God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again” (1 Kings 18:37).
“that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the LORD God” (2 Kings 19:19).
“that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them” (John 17:23).
REFLECT AND RELATE
Think about all the ways you know God. Meditate about His messages, His victories, His love, His sacrifice, His ministry, His presence…
REFERENCES
Deuteronomy 4:39-40; Luke 1:18-38