19/01/2023
Let the one who boasts, boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight (Jeremiah 9:24).
In the ancient book of Job we have the invitation “acquaint now yourself with him and be at peace” (Job 22:21). Centuries later, Jesus of Nazareth echoed these words when he said, “Come … learn of me … and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:28, 29). In terms of our spiritual nature and potential, it is the knowledge of Godthat we chiefly need.
If that be so, we might anticipate that the Devil would do all he could to give us a false picture of God. How well he has succeeded! Think of your early childhood pictures of God and analyse your present ones. Poor God often comes out looking like a policeman in a white shirt, with his brow furrowed and his finger raised in warning.
Such immature and inaccurate pictures, of course, conflict strangely with biblical passages such as: Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him (Psalm 103:13).
As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you (Isaiah 66:13). The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth… forgiving iniquity (Exodus 34:6,7).
Should we not strive to have a more accurate, biblical picture of our Maker, Redeemer, and Judge?