Men rise on steppin’-stones of their dead selves to higher things.”
–Zane Grey (The Mysterious Rider)
“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”
–Matthew 6:27 (NLT)
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I have taught adult Sunday School classes various times, and I always start with a study of God. If we do not understand at least to some degree the Person of God we have no basis for further study. I have found over the years that not many people actually question God’s existence, but they do wonder and do not understand about His nature. Truthfully, many do not want to understand the nature of God, for it would force them to recognize who He is and then begin to conform to His image and act accordingly. When we begin to understand His nature it will determine how we act and even more, who we are.
Here are three facts about God that we must understand: (see 2 Corinthians 5:18-21)
1) God is for us. He takes a personal interest in us, in all aspects.
2) God accepts us. God’s acceptance does not depend on our performance. This does not give us an excuse to sin. God does not overlook our sins for He is holy and righteous. However, He accepts us because of Christ on the cross.
3) God has a purpose for us. He really doesn’t need us, but He allows us to be part of what He is doing. We have the privilege of representing Him in this world.
One aspect in the natural attributes of God is that of His sovereignty. Sovereignty is one of those things we do not understand nor do we want to understand. Sovereignty means that God is in charge and that man is not autonomous. However, it is one of the most vital studies within His nature. Simply speaking, sovereignty means that God can do what He wants. Look at these words from David:
“Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever.
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness,
The power and the glory,
The victory and the majesty;
For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours;
Yours is the kingdom, O Lord,
And You are exalted as head over all.
Both riches and honor come from You,
And You reign over all.
In Your hand is power and might;
In Your hand it is to make great
And to give strength to all.”
–1 Chronicles 29:10-12 (NKJV)
To close this little devotional note let me leave you with a few things to ponder. First of all, here is a theological question: How can man be truly free and responsible and at the same time worship a God who is truly sovereign?
1) God is in charge; things don’t just happen. TRUTH
2) We are free and responsible human beings. TRUTH
3) Man wants to make a logical system out of God’s actions.
4) God is outside our logic.
I have always believed that whenever God could be understood by our minds that He would cease to be God. God is so immense and beyond our comprehension. However, we are to know Him and draw close to Him.
(Thanks to Stephen Brown for some insight)