As I have been studying the Scriptures, I have become increasingly aware of two themes that run throughout the Bible. The first theme is most often found in words like these.
…then they will know that I am the Lord God. Ezekiel 28:24 (NASB)
I have found it fascinating that this seems to be the motivation behind everything that God does. You find these words, or very similar statements made, whenever God:
- worked a miracle such as parting the waters of the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross through on dry ground.
- gave victory to one of His followers like when David defeated Goliath.
- judged the wicked which was a common prophecy that He gave about several nations through the prophet Ezekiel.
- brought judgement on His children when they followed after idols rather than following after Him.
God’s desire to be known by all people as the Lord God can even be seen in His decision to create the heavens and the earth. Psalm 19:1-3 and Romans 1:20 tell us that even lost people have no excuse for not knowing that there is a God because all of creation shouts His existence.
I am sure that you have marveled when reading about how God did supernatural things through ordinary people in Scripture. What I found intriguing as I studied so many of these accounts in Scripture was the heart motivation of the people that God used. For example, when David stood before Goliath, he made this bold statement.
This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. I Samuel 17:46 (NKJV)
One can also see this motivation driving Elijah when he confronted the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. After he repaired and prepared the altar, Elijah prayed this prayer.
Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again. 1 Kings 18:37 (NKJV)
Following this theme in Scripture has challenged me to realize that God will do whatever is needed in my life so that others will know that He alone is the Lord God. If I follow after the gods of this world, He will accomplish this through His judgement on my life.
However, if I follow after Him with all my heart, soul and mind, He can show others that He is God by blessing me and/or working through me. This has caused me to search my heart and check my motivation behind everything I do. It is my desire to serve Him in such a way that others will see Christ in me and know that He is the Lord God.
What would happen in homes, churches and Christian schools if parents, pastors and educators would pray that God would do a work in their lives so that their children would know that He is the Lord God? I believe we would be able to witness the next generation surrendering to Christ and possibly turning their world upside down.
Next week I will share with you the second theme that has captured my attention as I study His Word.
This has got me thinking my motivation must always be God centered. Thank you for helping me articulate this .
Thanks Glenn. What a contrast to young people growing up through our schools and families, just believing that God probably exists. They need to know, without a shadow of doubt, that he not only exists, but is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him (Heb. 11:6). By observing how God has made himself known in the lives of patents and teachers, may they yearn to likewise experience his intervention in their own lives!
John 17:3