Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Tuesday, September 6, 2016
We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.
Today’s Scripture Focus: “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44).
So here’s the problem: too many of us think we have life all figured out. True, knowledge has increased, educational systems have improved, and technology has made the world’s riches more accessible than ever before, but we still have no idea whether we are coming or going.
What Do You Know?
Now, before you get a complex or think I am exaggerating, do me a favor. Tell me how quickly light travels. If you said 186 thousand miles per second, you’re right! Congratulations! How far is the sun from earth? What is the actual size and chemical composition of Saturn? Explain the science of fetal development. What in the world is blood? How does it function? What is its chemical composition?
I can hear some brilliant people saying, “I read about those things.” Some of you may even have post-graduate degrees and have written papers on these subjects. Bravo! It’s easy to say how fast light travels but have you personally aimed a speed measuring device at the light? Have you ever been to the sun? If you understand certain key components of blood, can you actually create it in the lab environment? Can you un-sickle a cell? Can you repair damaged DNA? Are you able to genetically modify a seed and it actually retain all that God intended when He created it? Let me help you: too many of us think we have life all figured out.
Our Limitations
I could dream up all sorts of intricate musings and questions to befuddle you on the subject of God too, but I will not. “Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? Deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, And broader than the sea. If he cut off, and shut up, or gather together, Then who can hinder him?” (Job 11:7–10). Scientists and theologians have been attempting to splice and dice God for centuries, but the Almighty (blessed be His name) can only be known inasmuch as He reveals Himself.
We can no more master God than we can take a road trip through Orion on vacation. But God has been so kind to condescend and give us glimpses of the eternal. He has been so gracious to manifest His character through the Person and work of Jesus Christ.
God’s Infinite Inspiration
Be inspired and give thanks for such an awesome God who, though shrouded in mystery, has given us a revelation of Himself. Thank Him for the revelation and for rescuing us from the pit of pride and ignorance so that we can receive healing from sin. He has been so kind to make Himself accessible to mere humans so that He can elevate us to the full stature of His Son one day.
So, let me just leave you with a little nugget of Scripture as you pursue knowledge and wrestle with the mysteries of this world and the world to come: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: And with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: She shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: A crown of glory shall she deliver to thee” (Proverbs 4:7–9).
