In God we trust. This phrase is well known to Americans who are reminded of it regularly as they exchange currency in business transactions. It's also part of the nation's pledge of allegiance: "one nation, under God ...". But, increasingly, the question begs to be asked: which God? Is He the traditional three-in-one God? The muslim God? the nebulous god of pantheism? The God of Judaism?
The God of the Bible admonished His people to "Let there be no strange god among you; Nor shall you worship any foreign god. I, the LORD, am your God, Who brought you up from the land of Egypt" (Psalm 81:9-10)
The God of the Bible has zero tolerance for substitute gods. He insists that He alone is God, and that no other god is to substitute for Him: "You shall have no other gods before Me." (Exodus 20:3). So God, whoever you perceive Him to be, just doesn't cut it. If He alone is God, and allows no room for substitute gods, it is imperative that we specifically and personally know who He is.
Most English Bible translators have placed an obstacle in our path by substituting a name for a title. Time and again, we read "LORD" when "Jehovah", or "Yahweh", should be used. This is the God whom we know to be Father through Jesus His Son. And this God Yahweh can only be known and approached through His exalted, created Son: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." (John 14:6).
It's hard for me to imagine Judgement Day involving an extensive essay exam in which pass or fail is determined by how accurately we describe the facts about God. Rather, intimate, first-hand knowledge will be the true test: "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3)
"Let there be no strange god among you; Nor shall you worship any foreign god." Per the Father's own words, we have the great privilege and responsibility of accurately and personally knowing who He is. May today be an incredibly fulfilling experience in knowing Yahweh God, who is our Father, through His beloved Son, Jesus.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
The God of the Bible admonished His people to "Let there be no strange god among you; Nor shall you worship any foreign god. I, the LORD, am your God, Who brought you up from the land of Egypt" (Psalm 81:9-10)
The God of the Bible has zero tolerance for substitute gods. He insists that He alone is God, and that no other god is to substitute for Him: "You shall have no other gods before Me." (Exodus 20:3). So God, whoever you perceive Him to be, just doesn't cut it. If He alone is God, and allows no room for substitute gods, it is imperative that we specifically and personally know who He is.
Most English Bible translators have placed an obstacle in our path by substituting a name for a title. Time and again, we read "LORD" when "Jehovah", or "Yahweh", should be used. This is the God whom we know to be Father through Jesus His Son. And this God Yahweh can only be known and approached through His exalted, created Son: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." (John 14:6).
It's hard for me to imagine Judgement Day involving an extensive essay exam in which pass or fail is determined by how accurately we describe the facts about God. Rather, intimate, first-hand knowledge will be the true test: "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3)
"Let there be no strange god among you; Nor shall you worship any foreign god." Per the Father's own words, we have the great privilege and responsibility of accurately and personally knowing who He is. May today be an incredibly fulfilling experience in knowing Yahweh God, who is our Father, through His beloved Son, Jesus.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
posted by steve @ 9:11 AM
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