Knowing God by J.I. Packer (Part 2)

Hello COAH,

This past Wednesday, we wrapped up our 7-week book study on Knowing God by J.I. Packer. This was the fourth time I read this book. But it was the first time interacting with others as we read the chapters for the week and met to discuss it. I was once again reminded of how rich and deep of a journey this book takes you on in discovering who God is – His nature and attributes – and opening your hearts to know and experience Him more and more.

At times, it was dense and difficult to read. I had to pause and go back to re-read sentences and paragraphs. But, as the weeks went by, it became a devotional for me. Simple, yet powerful, truths kept bringing such conviction, comfort, and peace into my heart. As we delved deeper into learning what it means to know God, it was the truth that we know God because we are known by God that uncovers a whole new understanding. It’s all God’s initiative.

This time reading, one chapter in particular caught my attention. As we discover who God is through His Word, we are commanded to “Behold our God!”. To behold God means to focus and contemplate on God’s glory, character, and work, allowing His presence to transform and enlighten our minds and hearts.

We behold God as we see and understand God’s glory, which is revealed through Jesus Christ. And as we focus and contemplate on Christ, we are transformed into a greater likeness of God, becoming more like Him in character and actions.

How many times have we opened our Bibles and prayed to God in the hopes of finding desired answers to our problems and questions. Sometimes we are creating an idol out of God as we pick and choose what we want to believe about who God is. For example, I want to believe in only the things of God that provide comfort and convenience in my life. But what about the attributes of God that challenge us to address our sins and contemplate Him as our Judge. What about the wrath of God that would be upon us if not for Christ and what He did on the cross for us?

As we behold our God and grow in our knowledge of Him, we must come with humble hearts and an openness to believe what His Word reveals about Him. The God of the Bible is the same today. He is Unchanging. The same power that God demonstrates in His Word is the same power that is given to us through the Holy Spirit. We should learn to pause and marvel at God’s greatness. And as we look to Christ, He is our primary example of how we behold our God. When Jesus died on the cross, it was God’s ultimate display of His love, justice, and mercy. And when Christ is resurrected, we behold God’s mighty power that overcame sin and death (for us!).

May we be in awe of God as we focus and contemplate on Christ, especially as we head towards Easter. May his death on the cross and resurrection renew and revive our hearts once again as our primary focus is on beholding and knowing Him.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim