One of the most pious and devoted Jewish Theologians asked the question, “Who are you?” when he encountered God. I imagine Saul (who we now know as the Apostle Paul) was filled with shock and horror when he found out it was Jesus that he was torturing. In some way, we should identify with Saul. Let me explain.
When we read the Bible, it’s easy to know where God is because the Scriptures tell us things like, “God said,” “God sent,” and “God did…” Sometimes we get uncomfortable and squirm by God’s behavior. Other times we are horrified and even appalled by God’s responses in Scripture. When we look at terrible things that are happening in the world, and even what’s happening in our lives, some of us are reluctant to attribute it to God. Indeed it is a sobering and shocking thought to consider God is involved in the chaos and turbulence in the world. Yet, whether God sends, or allows turmoil, the Bible also declares that God is sovereign.
I think that our response should shift from “Why is this happening?” and “Why is this happening to me?” to “What are you doing, God?”, and ultimately to, “Who are You, God?”
We can know the Bible. But that doesn’t mean that we know God. Surely the Jewish scholar Saul knew scripture and thought he was doing God’s work and will. Yet when God appeared to him, all he could do was muster a bewildered, “Who are You, Lord?” The Bible is not only a vehicle to reveal or tell us about God, but it is also God goading us into conversation with Him.
Understandably, if we hear the audible voice of God, we might wet ourselves. On the other hand, God visibly journeyed with His people for 40 years and lamented that they still didn’t know Him (Psalms 95:10).
God wants to be known. He’s close and involved and desires a relationship. That’s one of the things that James tells us when he says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).
Over and over, Scripture admonishes us to seek Him and come to Him. One of the consequences of entering into His Presence is His peace (Matthew 11:28-30).
When was the last time you had a conversation with God? When you spoke to Him, did you expect an answer? Do you talk to God only when you have big decisions to make? Are you okay if His answer is in conflict with your desires?
When we think about our lives, and the world around us, remember what scripture says. Jesus tells us that we will have trouble in this world (John 16:33). Peter tells us not to be surprised when it happens (I Peter 4:12). We quiet our hearts by knowing God. Take a lesson from Jesus’ disciples as they were in the midst of a storm. While they struggled with the winds and the waves, they were terrified by what they thought was a ghost. They did not recognize the One who sent them. Yet when they cried out, Jesus quickly identified Himself and said, “Don’t be afraid.” After Jesus said this, He climbed into the boat and there was peace (Mark 6:45-51).
The repeated message of scripture is, “Immanuel—God with us.” The sovereign God who created the Universe wants to do life with us (Matthew 28:20). Isn’t this Good News?
As we head into this “New Year,” let us remember to “acknowledge Him in all our ways” so that “He will direct our steps.” (Proverbs 3:5)
