Known to Us
Last week, @johanna.duguid wrote in her two-part devotional, “the more we know God, the better we are able to discern His will.” Knowing God is a foundational message of the Bible.
When People Don't Know God
Throughout the Psalms, it is revealed what happens when people don't know God. In Psalms 115 and 135, idols are described as having mouths that do not speak, eyes that do not see, and ears that do not hear (115:5, 135:16).
The nations surrounding the Israelites worshiped idols which did not see, hear or speak. Their sacrifices were done hoping to appease their gods. They didn’t know what made the gods of the harvest, of fertility, or of the seas happy. So, they would make oaths, bring extravagant gifts, mark their bodies, and sacrifice their children hoping to appease the wrath of their gods and find relief from the troubles of life.
But this is not the case between God and His followers. This is what makes the whole law of the Bible so extraordinary!
When God Speaks
In contrast, God spoke directly to the people of Israel, telling them exactly what pleased Him. Unlike the idols of the surrounding nations who did not speak, God spoke and instructed and cared for His people. There was no guessing about how to live or navigate the difficulties of life because God gave them specific principles to follow. These principles illustrated how they should worship Him, and care for people around them in a way that was pleasing to Him.
Some of God’s instructions included: "Circumcise the foreskins of your heart and no longer be stubborn towards Him" and "do not burn your sons and daughters as offerings, as did the nations" (Deut. 10:16, 18:10).
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus judged the Pharisees for honoring God with their lips, but having hearts that were far from Him (15:8-9).
Known to Us
All throughout Scripture, we see that submitting our whole being-- heart, mind, actions-- to the Lord is what pleases Him. As we learn more about God through His Word, we “will be able to test and approve what God’s will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Rom 12:2, NIV).
Sisters, let us rejoice and take comfort in this truth: the Lord God, who created all things, has made Himself known to us, so that we might know Him and His will.
Continued Encouragement
Did you enjoy today's Daily Delight, "Known to Us"? Find more encouragement from Anita here!Want more? Check out The Daughter of Delight Podcast here!
Author of, "Known to Us"Anita Peluso
