(Psalm 76:1-3)…..In Judah God is known; His name is great in Israel. 2 In Salem also is His tabernacle, and His dwelling place in Zion. 3 There He broke the arrows of the bow, the shield and sword of battle. Selah
Asaph begins this Psalm be declaring that “In Judah God is known; His name is great in Israel.” Now that is quite a declaration to begin a Psalm with. How many in that day would have said, “I know God.” Did they personally? Do we? Do you know God? Is it even important to know God? What does that even look like? Well, the word “known” here means to ascertain by seeing, observation, care, recognition, acknowledge, understand, advise, discern, discover, surety, teach, tell, perceive, to be with. That is quite a definition, yet I only used some of the words that are listed in Strongs Concordance.
One can have knowledge of God and not know Him intimately (John 8:19). Early Christians were persecuted because the world didn’t “know” God (John 15:18-21) (John 16:1-3). Saul (Paul) had knowledge about God, but he didn’t “know” God while he was persecuting the church (1 Timothy 1:12-14). Jesus came to reveal God to man that we might know Him (John 1:18). Knowing the God of Scripture is very important because knowing God is to have eternal life (John 17:3). To not know Him brings punishment (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). In order to have a relationship with God we must learn of Him and from Him (John 6:45) (Hebrews 11:6). Through nature we learn His divinity (Romans 1:20). Through His word we learn His commandments (Colossians 3:16) (1 Peter 2:2).
Learning about God isn’t all there is to knowing Him (Romans 1:21-22). God knows everything about us, our actions, our thoughts, our motives, our next word (Psalm 139:1-4). This kind of knowledge of us enables Him to care for His sheep (John 10:14). And He will always provide for His sheep (Matthew 6:8,32). Some bible verses to meditate on…..
- Does He know you – (Matthew 7:21-23)
- If you know Him – He willed it to happen (Matthew 11:27)
- When we obey God we show that we know God (1 John 2:3-6)
- When we know God we follow His teachings
- Read: (1 John 4:6) (2 John 9)
- To know God means to be in Christ
- Read: (1 John 5:20)
One cannot know God and reject His only begotten Son Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:26-27). Let me ask you, “Do you know the God of Scripture? Intimately? Read again, (John 17:3).