The God who reveals

Isn't it great that we have a God who reveals Himself, for if He did not, we would not be able to know Him. This would be to our great loss! Psalm 19 declares that He reveals Himself in at least two ways. Theologians call this natural and special revelation.

The psalmist begins by talking about natural revelation. By this we mean that God reveals Himself through what He has created. When we look toward the sun, and bask in its warmth, and realize it has too much glory for us to look directly at, we learn that God is awesome in His glory and that it is a blessing to bask in the light of His glory. When we look at a star filled night and realize that God's universe goes on forever and ever; when we consider what wisdom and power must have gone into the creation of all this....we come to realize that our God is an infinite God, unsearchable, full of wisdom and power. We learn so much about God from His natural creation. In fact, according to Romans, there is enough revelation about God in the natural order, to condemn a man for not believing. Surely this revelation is available to all at all times, and to neglect this communication of God, is to place oneself in a dangerous position.

The second way God reveals Himself is through His Word. The second part of Psalm 19 speaks of this. As the psalmist describes this source of revelation he speaks of it as perfect, and sure, and right, and pure, and clean, and true, more worthy than anything we value on earth. These are, of course, great descriptors of our God who is as well perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, true and most worthy. When we avail ourselves to this source of revelation we come to know God in greater fullness.

But not only is the contemplation of God's revelation profitable for building our understanding of Him, but it is profitable in many other ways. The psalmist says that it revives the soul, makes wise the simple, rejoices the heart, enlightens the eyes, warns the servant keeping him from presumptuous sins, provides a reward, and so much more.

That may be why Paul was so insistent in 1 Timothy 1 that his son in the faith, Timothy, contend hard for the truth. If the truth, God's Word, reveals the nature of our God, and provides such wonderful benefits to those who believe and follow its teaching, it is no wonder that Paul wants Timothy to fight for it. It's no wonder as well that the evil one works hard to distort that truth, and get people talking about myths and foolish things which have no value for the soul.

Are you availing yourself to God's revelation? Do you take time on a starlit night to consider the God who made it all? And are you committed to growing in your knowledge of God by consistent meditation on His Word? To neglect God's revelation is to impoverish your soul, but to give it it's appropriate attention is to breathe life into the soul - the very life of God. Bible Readers....let's continue to be consistent in our pursuit of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord!