May 29, 2001
Internet use multiplies daily yet no one really knows how many people actually spend time in cyberspace. Adding together the total number of customers from each service provider turns out to be inaccurate. Apparently some providers include inactive accounts (to make themselves look better?) and government providers are no better with their numbers. Besides that, thousands go online for the first time each day. Any total is out of date as soon as it is compiled.
Regardless of inaccurate numbers, it seems safe to guess that millions of people use the Internet. That boggles my mind. How can anyone think in terms of ‘millions’?
This week I found an article that used ratios to put the world’s population into perspective. It suggested reducing the world to a village of one hundred people. By comparing the number of people who have computers to total population and applying that ratio to the village, they discovered only one person owned a computer. Explained in those terms it seems are globe is not as saturated with technology as we might think.
That same article went on to say that thirty people in the village would be Christians. How amazing that there are more Christians than computer owners (and that one person with the computer could be a Christian too).
As I thought about those numbers, I recalled that the Bible says God put the stars in place and calls them by name. He even knows how many hairs we have on our heads. Obviously, He is far better with big numbers than I am, and even though that kind of detailed knowledge may seem useless, this is not the issue. The point is, God knows and cares about details. As Scripture points out, He feeds each sparrow and notices if one falls to the ground.
The psalmist says, “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely . . . such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.”
While that all-knowing quality of God could make us feel like shrinking back in fear under His scrutiny, it should motivate us to trust Him instead. He cares about sparrows — He cares about us.
Sometimes I try to imagine what it would be like to listen to the prayers of a million people all at the same time. How can God sort them out, then send appropriate answers, at the right time, to each person? For Him, this is easy. Remember, He knows how many hairs are on our heads. Yet this vast knowledge also includes compassion and understanding. He knows and cares about the things that bother or upset us and understands our needs.
Lord, should I stop trusting You, I would be a fool. Your knowledge far surpasses mine or anyone else I might trust. You know every detail of my life. Even more important, You care about those details. Guide each thought, each word, and each step I take, today and always. Amen.
Showing posts with label God knows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God knows. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Friday, September 16, 2016
Astonishing Providence .......... Parables 485
October 3, 1995
My father lamented that his advancing age made him unable to go to Scotland with us to the Leslie Clan Reunion last June. However, about two weeks after we returned, providence brought a little bit of Scotland to him.
One evening, my husband and I decided to run some errands. As we left our condominium complex, Bob spotted two men walking up the hill towards a small playground area. He said, “Would you look at that!” They were carrying bagpipes.
By the time we stopped and walked up the hill, they were facing each other, toes tapping and playing their pipes. We waited until they finished, then told them about our trip and my dad. I asked if they would like to give an old Scot a real thrill. They obliged and in a few minutes my parents enjoyed bagpipe music under their bedroom window.
Some people would say it was a remarkable coincidence — which it was. Who ever “happens upon” pipers in a city the size of Edmonton? However, it was also an example of the loving providence of God. He knows my dad’s heart for the pipes and He knows how to let an elderly man know that He loves him and wants him to enjoy his old age.
Job, a familiar Old Testament character, said: “You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.”
God sometimes uses strange means to show kindness and demonstrate His care. Years ago in Banff, our youngest son, then a preschooler, followed a costumed character down the street. When he turned to come back to the family, he missed our location and became lost. We went the direction of the man in the costume not knowing Scott was going the other way.
In our search, we spotted a young man with orange hair done in a huge, curly Afro ball. We asked if he had seen a small, blond boy. He hadn’t, but took pity and started looking. He searched until he found him and returned him to us.
Another time, we were camping in Jasper and a black bear wandered into our site at night. The bear began rushing up to our tent, growling threats and terrifying our family. Within minutes, we were rescued by four men returning to an adjacent campsite. They had been drinking that evening, enough to be braver than we were, and chased the bear with rocks and loud threats of their own. Both incidents showed God’s providence.
The Psalms are filled with praises for the Lord’s loving nurture and protective care. He may use ordinary circumstances or situations some people call chance, fate or luck. In fact, the dictionary uses terms like that to define providence, but these concepts miss the biblical idea.
God’s providence is more like foresight and prudence. God sees the end from the beginning, just like the pilot of an airplane can see highway #2 from Edmonton to Calgary. He looks at what lies ahead and, in sovereign power, brings in other elements that suit His purposes. He can influence pipers to choose a playground to practice in at 7:00 p.m. on a certain night. He can influence an unconventional looking young man to search places that frantic parents do not think to look. He can also influence night time revelers to go back to their campsite just when they need to be there.
God can also use angels to protect His people. Some will scoff but those who experience unusual acts of divine care sometimes see no other explanation. Besides, who says angels wear halos and play harps? While I’m not suggesting they drink beer, but maybe they have orange hair and occasionally trade in their harps to play bagpipes.
My father lamented that his advancing age made him unable to go to Scotland with us to the Leslie Clan Reunion last June. However, about two weeks after we returned, providence brought a little bit of Scotland to him.
One evening, my husband and I decided to run some errands. As we left our condominium complex, Bob spotted two men walking up the hill towards a small playground area. He said, “Would you look at that!” They were carrying bagpipes.
By the time we stopped and walked up the hill, they were facing each other, toes tapping and playing their pipes. We waited until they finished, then told them about our trip and my dad. I asked if they would like to give an old Scot a real thrill. They obliged and in a few minutes my parents enjoyed bagpipe music under their bedroom window.
Some people would say it was a remarkable coincidence — which it was. Who ever “happens upon” pipers in a city the size of Edmonton? However, it was also an example of the loving providence of God. He knows my dad’s heart for the pipes and He knows how to let an elderly man know that He loves him and wants him to enjoy his old age.
Job, a familiar Old Testament character, said: “You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.”
God sometimes uses strange means to show kindness and demonstrate His care. Years ago in Banff, our youngest son, then a preschooler, followed a costumed character down the street. When he turned to come back to the family, he missed our location and became lost. We went the direction of the man in the costume not knowing Scott was going the other way.
In our search, we spotted a young man with orange hair done in a huge, curly Afro ball. We asked if he had seen a small, blond boy. He hadn’t, but took pity and started looking. He searched until he found him and returned him to us.
Another time, we were camping in Jasper and a black bear wandered into our site at night. The bear began rushing up to our tent, growling threats and terrifying our family. Within minutes, we were rescued by four men returning to an adjacent campsite. They had been drinking that evening, enough to be braver than we were, and chased the bear with rocks and loud threats of their own. Both incidents showed God’s providence.
The Psalms are filled with praises for the Lord’s loving nurture and protective care. He may use ordinary circumstances or situations some people call chance, fate or luck. In fact, the dictionary uses terms like that to define providence, but these concepts miss the biblical idea.
God’s providence is more like foresight and prudence. God sees the end from the beginning, just like the pilot of an airplane can see highway #2 from Edmonton to Calgary. He looks at what lies ahead and, in sovereign power, brings in other elements that suit His purposes. He can influence pipers to choose a playground to practice in at 7:00 p.m. on a certain night. He can influence an unconventional looking young man to search places that frantic parents do not think to look. He can also influence night time revelers to go back to their campsite just when they need to be there.
God can also use angels to protect His people. Some will scoff but those who experience unusual acts of divine care sometimes see no other explanation. Besides, who says angels wear halos and play harps? While I’m not suggesting they drink beer, but maybe they have orange hair and occasionally trade in their harps to play bagpipes.
Friday, October 2, 2015
God knows who I am ................ Parables 334
September 8, 1992
Art was slightly red-faced when he told about a customer who entered his place of business. It was a young man with a red moustache and beard, someone he did not recognize. It was only after asking how he could help him that Art realized it was his own son! The boy had worked in the forestry industry for the summer and returned with unexpected changes to his appearance. Art said, “At least this proves I’m not infallible!”
Most of us cannot imagine being unable to recognize our children but it could happen. Sometimes, if all we ever see them wear is jeans and sneakers, putting on a suit or a grad gown could be enough to do it, or a costume and make-up for a drama play. And if they began acting differently than their usual selves, it would add to the disguise. If they are young, fooling us would be a funny game. Art’s older son maybe wanted to play a trick on dad, but I doubt he would have enjoyed the joke if dad never caught on.
Art later pointed out that God cannot be fooled — He always knows His kids, in spite of the fact that some have been known to wear disguises as if they didn’t want other people to know they are Christians. As for those who pretend to belong to His family but really do not, God also sees through their cover-up.
First, God’s true children sometimes do wear disguises such as when we fall into sin and can get so covered with “mud” we appear on the outside like any other sinner. That disguise may fool other people but God knows what is under the mess. He exhorts us to “put off, concerning our former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” and calls us to “be renewed in the spirit of our mind” and “put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” In other words, take off the disguises and demonstrate who we really are.
Another form of cover-up goes on when we fear ridicule or persecution. Again, we pretend we fit in this world, maybe hang around sinners, not completely falling into their behavior but not being particularly godly either. Abraham’s nephew, Lot, was one of these. He lived in Sodom and while he did not participate in their sins, neither did he confront what they were doing or get out of their company. Fortunately God knows “those who are His” and sent two angels to drag Lot out before raining fire and brimstone in judgment on those who lived so wickedly in his home town.
Those who observe the outer “costume” or behavior of Christians-in-disguise are justified in calling us imposters and hypocrites. Even though God knows who are His children, He also warns against such hypocrisy and disguises. We must demonstrate what we are, not cover it up.
Of course God considers the worst disguise that of those who pretend to be Christians and are not. Even though He can see right through their pretense, so many people cannot and are therefore deceived and led astray. Outwardly these pretenders say the right words and even do all kinds of religious deeds but inwardly they are “ravenous wolves” who have no care for the family of God. They have selfish motives for feigning godliness.
One day God will strip away all disguises. Those who have battled with sin will find that the “solid foundation of God stands — having this seal: The Lord knows those who are His.” But those who have posed as righteous without depending on the righteousness of Christ will hear Him say, “Depart from me... I never knew you.”
Art knows a change in appearance did not change the identity of his son. In the same way, no matter what kind of false face people might wear, it does not change the inner person. And because God knows who are His, no one who fakes it will be able to wear a disguise forever.
Art was slightly red-faced when he told about a customer who entered his place of business. It was a young man with a red moustache and beard, someone he did not recognize. It was only after asking how he could help him that Art realized it was his own son! The boy had worked in the forestry industry for the summer and returned with unexpected changes to his appearance. Art said, “At least this proves I’m not infallible!”
Most of us cannot imagine being unable to recognize our children but it could happen. Sometimes, if all we ever see them wear is jeans and sneakers, putting on a suit or a grad gown could be enough to do it, or a costume and make-up for a drama play. And if they began acting differently than their usual selves, it would add to the disguise. If they are young, fooling us would be a funny game. Art’s older son maybe wanted to play a trick on dad, but I doubt he would have enjoyed the joke if dad never caught on.
Art later pointed out that God cannot be fooled — He always knows His kids, in spite of the fact that some have been known to wear disguises as if they didn’t want other people to know they are Christians. As for those who pretend to belong to His family but really do not, God also sees through their cover-up.
First, God’s true children sometimes do wear disguises such as when we fall into sin and can get so covered with “mud” we appear on the outside like any other sinner. That disguise may fool other people but God knows what is under the mess. He exhorts us to “put off, concerning our former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” and calls us to “be renewed in the spirit of our mind” and “put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” In other words, take off the disguises and demonstrate who we really are.
Another form of cover-up goes on when we fear ridicule or persecution. Again, we pretend we fit in this world, maybe hang around sinners, not completely falling into their behavior but not being particularly godly either. Abraham’s nephew, Lot, was one of these. He lived in Sodom and while he did not participate in their sins, neither did he confront what they were doing or get out of their company. Fortunately God knows “those who are His” and sent two angels to drag Lot out before raining fire and brimstone in judgment on those who lived so wickedly in his home town.
Those who observe the outer “costume” or behavior of Christians-in-disguise are justified in calling us imposters and hypocrites. Even though God knows who are His children, He also warns against such hypocrisy and disguises. We must demonstrate what we are, not cover it up.
Of course God considers the worst disguise that of those who pretend to be Christians and are not. Even though He can see right through their pretense, so many people cannot and are therefore deceived and led astray. Outwardly these pretenders say the right words and even do all kinds of religious deeds but inwardly they are “ravenous wolves” who have no care for the family of God. They have selfish motives for feigning godliness.
One day God will strip away all disguises. Those who have battled with sin will find that the “solid foundation of God stands — having this seal: The Lord knows those who are His.” But those who have posed as righteous without depending on the righteousness of Christ will hear Him say, “Depart from me... I never knew you.”
Art knows a change in appearance did not change the identity of his son. In the same way, no matter what kind of false face people might wear, it does not change the inner person. And because God knows who are His, no one who fakes it will be able to wear a disguise forever.
Friday, January 2, 2015
Faith simply says ‘yes’ and then obeys ................. Parables 217
(May 16, 1990)
The Old Testament father of faith, Abraham, rolled up his tent, called to his family to pack their belongings and went “he knew not where.” Can you imagine doing that? Maybe a single person, without a family and able to afford an adventure might easily do it. Or someone who was so fed up with their situation that they could launch out into the unknown, expecting anything to be better. But Abraham wasn’t like that. He had possessions and roots. He lived in a thriving city. Not only that, he was 75 years old.
This elderly, prosperous man moved from his home because, are you ready for this, God told him to go. That’s all. He just did it, no record of any questions asked or explanations given. God said it -- he trusted God so simply obeyed Him. Little wonder Abraham became known as the father of faith.
I know my faith has some growing to do if it will ever match that of the patriarch Abraham. I’m not 75 yet. We are not moving lock, stock and barrel. We at least have the name of a city. But these days, as I read his story in Genesis 12, I find God has blessed me with something of the same trust... at least some of the time!
My husband has already started his out-of-province assignment. The past few weeks I have alternated between a full-of-confidence “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” -- to a moaning “I CAN’T DO THIS.” It is not easy planning a move without knowing even our next address. Every now and then, my ability to trust God with the details takes a nose dive into the dirt. Then He pulls me out and assures me “His eye is on the sparrow...” and on all His children too.
One exciting fact about Abraham’s faith helps keep this radical relocation in perspective for me. Hebrews 11 says this old man was able to “live like a stranger in a foreign country... for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
Abraham’s destination was not particularly Bethel or any other location in Canaan. He was headed toward the spectacular metropolis described in the last book of the Bible, the place where the streets are paved with gold and no sun or moon are necessary for the Lord provides its light. Because he knew (by faith) that he was going THERE, where he lived HERE was irrelevant.
What an important thing to know. Before this job confirmation, we were kept up in the air for days; we didn’t know if we would stay here or go. But I don’t have to be up in the air about my eternal destination. God assures me that all who believe in His Son can KNOW what will happen after their physical body quits. His Word was written for that purpose: “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13).
Whether we go or stay, no matter what happens to this body, Christians can say, along with the writer of Hebrews: “Here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.”
I will admit the uncertainty regarding our physical residence has been uncomfortable. I feel for anyone without a secure dwelling place... however, there is a worse uncertainty -- that of spending a lifetime not knowing for sure what will happen after it is over. To never be quite sure of a place in heaven, to only have a “hope so” faith, would be the ultimate anxiety.
Through faith in Christ though, anxiety can become confidence that “if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal home in heaven...” With that assurance, so what if we have to break camp every now and then while we live here?
The Old Testament father of faith, Abraham, rolled up his tent, called to his family to pack their belongings and went “he knew not where.” Can you imagine doing that? Maybe a single person, without a family and able to afford an adventure might easily do it. Or someone who was so fed up with their situation that they could launch out into the unknown, expecting anything to be better. But Abraham wasn’t like that. He had possessions and roots. He lived in a thriving city. Not only that, he was 75 years old.
This elderly, prosperous man moved from his home because, are you ready for this, God told him to go. That’s all. He just did it, no record of any questions asked or explanations given. God said it -- he trusted God so simply obeyed Him. Little wonder Abraham became known as the father of faith.
I know my faith has some growing to do if it will ever match that of the patriarch Abraham. I’m not 75 yet. We are not moving lock, stock and barrel. We at least have the name of a city. But these days, as I read his story in Genesis 12, I find God has blessed me with something of the same trust... at least some of the time!
My husband has already started his out-of-province assignment. The past few weeks I have alternated between a full-of-confidence “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” -- to a moaning “I CAN’T DO THIS.” It is not easy planning a move without knowing even our next address. Every now and then, my ability to trust God with the details takes a nose dive into the dirt. Then He pulls me out and assures me “His eye is on the sparrow...” and on all His children too.
One exciting fact about Abraham’s faith helps keep this radical relocation in perspective for me. Hebrews 11 says this old man was able to “live like a stranger in a foreign country... for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
Abraham’s destination was not particularly Bethel or any other location in Canaan. He was headed toward the spectacular metropolis described in the last book of the Bible, the place where the streets are paved with gold and no sun or moon are necessary for the Lord provides its light. Because he knew (by faith) that he was going THERE, where he lived HERE was irrelevant.
What an important thing to know. Before this job confirmation, we were kept up in the air for days; we didn’t know if we would stay here or go. But I don’t have to be up in the air about my eternal destination. God assures me that all who believe in His Son can KNOW what will happen after their physical body quits. His Word was written for that purpose: “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13).
Whether we go or stay, no matter what happens to this body, Christians can say, along with the writer of Hebrews: “Here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.”
I will admit the uncertainty regarding our physical residence has been uncomfortable. I feel for anyone without a secure dwelling place... however, there is a worse uncertainty -- that of spending a lifetime not knowing for sure what will happen after it is over. To never be quite sure of a place in heaven, to only have a “hope so” faith, would be the ultimate anxiety.
Through faith in Christ though, anxiety can become confidence that “if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal home in heaven...” With that assurance, so what if we have to break camp every now and then while we live here?
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Correctly Diagnosed ................. Parables 165
Beset with a mild infection earlier this week, it wasn’t easy to motivate myself out to the grocery store. If the cupboards at home had been well stocked, I would have fared better curled up on the couch with a hot chocolate and a good book. However, I curled my hair instead, daubed some blusher on otherwise pale cheeks, and grabbed the shopping list.
Once out, I felt much better. Soon the groceries were out of the cart and onto the check-stand. As I waited for the shopper ahead of me, the man behind me started a polite conversation. After a couple of sentences, he stopped, looked at me, and said, “You don’t feel very well today, do you?”
Maybe he was a doctor. (He looked like a farmer or a laborer, but what do clothes really tell?) Whatever his occupation, it was unnerving to have my medical condition at least partly diagnosed by a total stranger. Most people are not that observant and even if they do notice such things, seldom is anything said. Besides, for all he knew, I might always look sick. I felt a little comforted by it though. Someone cared.
On the way home, I began to wonder if what I experienced was similar to the experiences of some people in first century Israel. Did they feel unnerved when a stranger called Jesus knew their physical and spiritual condition, even their very thoughts? Were they comforted by the fact someone cared?
“And Jesus knew their thoughts and said...” “But Jesus perceived their wickedness and said...” “But He knew their thoughts...” “And immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, He said unto them, ‘Why reason these things in your hearts?’“
The Samaritan woman at the well said of Him, “Come see a man that told me all things that I ever did: is not this the Christ?” Jesus surely shook this woman...and then changed her life.
The Psalmist said of God, “O LORD, thou has searched me, and know me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.” (Psalm 139) Jesus demonstrated this ability. It is called omniscience.
I had a member of a radical cult read my thoughts one time. I didn’t waste any time getting out of her company. I’m sure her power was not of God. She didn’t have the life credentials to go with it. As for the grocery store seer, there were no nail prints in his hands, even though he seemed to care. Jesus is another matter. Every attribute of God was displayed in His life. He had power over weather, diseases and the elements. He went about doing good, demonstrating kindness and compassion on the helpless and yet wrath and righteous indignation on the hypocrites. The Bible says that He is “the brightness of (God’s) glory and the exact representation of His person...”
Here is a man that can know the unknowable about us, things that we can’t even see for ourselves. He can tell if we are grouchy on the inside, no matter the smiles and facade on the exterior. He can see the tiniest speck of bitterness; can detect the minutest beginnings of faith. And He cares enough about us that He will let us know what He has discovered. If something must be removed, He will remove it. If added, His warehouse is limitless; if soothed, He is balm to our hearts; if challenged, His Word is sharper that a two-edged sword.
Unnerving? Yes, but if anyone gets into my head and analyzes my thoughts, if anyone can take one look at my heart and diagnose my case, I want Jesus Christ to be the One.
Once out, I felt much better. Soon the groceries were out of the cart and onto the check-stand. As I waited for the shopper ahead of me, the man behind me started a polite conversation. After a couple of sentences, he stopped, looked at me, and said, “You don’t feel very well today, do you?”
Maybe he was a doctor. (He looked like a farmer or a laborer, but what do clothes really tell?) Whatever his occupation, it was unnerving to have my medical condition at least partly diagnosed by a total stranger. Most people are not that observant and even if they do notice such things, seldom is anything said. Besides, for all he knew, I might always look sick. I felt a little comforted by it though. Someone cared.
On the way home, I began to wonder if what I experienced was similar to the experiences of some people in first century Israel. Did they feel unnerved when a stranger called Jesus knew their physical and spiritual condition, even their very thoughts? Were they comforted by the fact someone cared?
“And Jesus knew their thoughts and said...” “But Jesus perceived their wickedness and said...” “But He knew their thoughts...” “And immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, He said unto them, ‘Why reason these things in your hearts?’“
The Samaritan woman at the well said of Him, “Come see a man that told me all things that I ever did: is not this the Christ?” Jesus surely shook this woman...and then changed her life.
The Psalmist said of God, “O LORD, thou has searched me, and know me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.” (Psalm 139) Jesus demonstrated this ability. It is called omniscience.
I had a member of a radical cult read my thoughts one time. I didn’t waste any time getting out of her company. I’m sure her power was not of God. She didn’t have the life credentials to go with it. As for the grocery store seer, there were no nail prints in his hands, even though he seemed to care. Jesus is another matter. Every attribute of God was displayed in His life. He had power over weather, diseases and the elements. He went about doing good, demonstrating kindness and compassion on the helpless and yet wrath and righteous indignation on the hypocrites. The Bible says that He is “the brightness of (God’s) glory and the exact representation of His person...”
Here is a man that can know the unknowable about us, things that we can’t even see for ourselves. He can tell if we are grouchy on the inside, no matter the smiles and facade on the exterior. He can see the tiniest speck of bitterness; can detect the minutest beginnings of faith. And He cares enough about us that He will let us know what He has discovered. If something must be removed, He will remove it. If added, His warehouse is limitless; if soothed, He is balm to our hearts; if challenged, His Word is sharper that a two-edged sword.
Unnerving? Yes, but if anyone gets into my head and analyzes my thoughts, if anyone can take one look at my heart and diagnose my case, I want Jesus Christ to be the One.
Friday, February 21, 2014
God knows...! ....................... Parables 083
Some friends live on an acreage outside of Fort Saskatchewan. A few weeks ago, a neighbor approached them and offered them another place to live, one that would cost him something to provide, yet would be appealing to this couple. This unusual offer puzzled them so they did not respond right away. Instead they prayed for guidance. About a week later, their landlord came and posted a FOR SALE sign on the property where they were living. Suddenly they had a problem.... but a possible solution was in place before they knew the problem existed.
This illustrates a truth about God: because of His eternal perspective, He can prepare solutions before problems become apparent.
God knew all about our lives before our lives even began. In Psalm 139, David says, “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
One of the things that God knew about David’s life and about the life of every person, was that all would sin and fall short of His righteous standard. So God planned the solution for the problem of sin before the problem existed. Acts 2:23, Romans 8:29, Ephesians 1 and many other Scripture passages tell how God predetermined, before the foundation of the world, that His Son would come and die on the cross for the sins of His people. He did this so we, by faith, could be forgiven and receive the righteousness of Christ, thus becoming holy and blameless before Him. Sin did not catch God by surprise.
God also knows the needs of His people even before we are aware of them. Matthew 6 tells Christians to pray, but not to pray as hypocrites or pagans do, who presume God will hear them because they pray over and over. Instead, the Lord says, “Don’t be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”
God is a God who knows. He knows every time a sparrow falls to the ground; He knows the very number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10). He knows what is in the darkness, and what is in light (Daniel 2:22). He knows the thoughts of the wise (1 Cor. 3:20) and the thoughts of the foolish (Genesis 6:5).
Jesus Christ, who is “God made flesh”, also knows. He knows our thoughts (Matt.12:25, Mark 2:8, Luke 6:8, John 2:25). He also knows our struggles - because “He was tempted in every way just as we are - yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).
He also knows who loves Him, “If any man loves God, the same is known of Him.”
And He knows who are His: “God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are His’.” Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd, and I know my sheep...”
The Psalmist said that God’s knowledge is too high, too wonderful for him, beyond his comprehension. That is true, yet the knowledge of God should not cause us to back away in insecurity but to run to Him in trust, glad that He does not hold our ignorance against us.
In fact, the knowledge of God is great comfort to those who know Him. First, we can trust in the completeness of His salvation. His solution for sin is perfect. When we fall short, which we often do, we can know that God knew it before we did it, and that His Son, our Intercessor, has completely bore the guilt and paid the penalty.
We also can trust Him to faithfully lead us through life according to His great knowledge. Sometimes we do not realize our needs, but the more we become aware of them, the more we can rely on His promise to “supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
This illustrates a truth about God: because of His eternal perspective, He can prepare solutions before problems become apparent.
God knew all about our lives before our lives even began. In Psalm 139, David says, “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
One of the things that God knew about David’s life and about the life of every person, was that all would sin and fall short of His righteous standard. So God planned the solution for the problem of sin before the problem existed. Acts 2:23, Romans 8:29, Ephesians 1 and many other Scripture passages tell how God predetermined, before the foundation of the world, that His Son would come and die on the cross for the sins of His people. He did this so we, by faith, could be forgiven and receive the righteousness of Christ, thus becoming holy and blameless before Him. Sin did not catch God by surprise.
God also knows the needs of His people even before we are aware of them. Matthew 6 tells Christians to pray, but not to pray as hypocrites or pagans do, who presume God will hear them because they pray over and over. Instead, the Lord says, “Don’t be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”
God is a God who knows. He knows every time a sparrow falls to the ground; He knows the very number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10). He knows what is in the darkness, and what is in light (Daniel 2:22). He knows the thoughts of the wise (1 Cor. 3:20) and the thoughts of the foolish (Genesis 6:5).
Jesus Christ, who is “God made flesh”, also knows. He knows our thoughts (Matt.12:25, Mark 2:8, Luke 6:8, John 2:25). He also knows our struggles - because “He was tempted in every way just as we are - yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).
He also knows who loves Him, “If any man loves God, the same is known of Him.”
And He knows who are His: “God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are His’.” Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd, and I know my sheep...”
The Psalmist said that God’s knowledge is too high, too wonderful for him, beyond his comprehension. That is true, yet the knowledge of God should not cause us to back away in insecurity but to run to Him in trust, glad that He does not hold our ignorance against us.
In fact, the knowledge of God is great comfort to those who know Him. First, we can trust in the completeness of His salvation. His solution for sin is perfect. When we fall short, which we often do, we can know that God knew it before we did it, and that His Son, our Intercessor, has completely bore the guilt and paid the penalty.
We also can trust Him to faithfully lead us through life according to His great knowledge. Sometimes we do not realize our needs, but the more we become aware of them, the more we can rely on His promise to “supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
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