I thought of some things while on a walk one evening. Funny what exercise will do. It has to do with our perspectives on what lies before us. In this morning’s sermon the pastor preached on Genesis 15:1, After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” In a lesson given by one of my favorite teachers, the late R.C. Sproul commented that Jesus gave the command, ‘fear not’ more than any other command. It is no wonder because in Colossians 1:17 Paul tells us the following about Jesus, He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
God reveals Himself to us in two ways. First general revelation which pertains to the visible creation including the land, various forms of life, bodies of water, mountains, and what telescopes permit us to see. Second, His revelation given through the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible lead to saving faith and serve as the rule for faith and practice.
I have a page and a half of verses pertaining to God’s role in creation. I am not going to give you all because that will put you to sleep. I will go with two.
- Jeremiah 31:35 Thus says the Lord, who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar- the Lord of hosts is His name.
- 2 Kings 19:15 And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said: O Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth.
I could go on extensively about God’s attributes, but I will stick to three.
- Omnipresent- He is everywhere and that means everywhere.
- Omniscient- He knows everything and that means everything.
- Omnipotent-Nothing is beyond His power.
So, if God is omniscient shouldn’t that drive us to prayer? Now, if He is all present and all powerful should we doubt that His sovereignty goes beyond what He reveals to us in General Revelation? Astronomers and scientist have been investigating space for decades. Just when they discover something new a thirst comes for the next discovery. People have been asking for quite some time questions like, is there and end to space? Are there extra-terrestrials?
Isaiah 4:28 has us pose the question: Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. Just as Isaiah tells us that God is unsearchable, so is His sovereign rule and dominion leaving us in wonder with constant questions, most of which will never be answered. If God allowed these endless questions to be answered, we would not have much of God to worship.
Not only does God rule over creation, as mentioned in Genesis 15:1 He personally protects His people. God encourages His servant Joshua in Joshua 1:9, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Below are two important verses in the New Testament that demonstrate the security God provides His people:
1. John 6:39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me but raise it up on the last day.
2. John 10:27-29 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.
With all that said, think about your woes. Consider what is eating you. Think of that daunting challenge before you. Ask yourself what is overwhelming you. Finally, ask yourself if God lies. I do not believe He does and that is why I shared this with you.
I will leave you with words from the Great Shepherd that you may know.
Matthew 11:28-30, Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
In His Image 