And when it comes to knowing Him, Scripture declares that
all men have a basic knowledge of His presence and His ways. We read in Romans
1 and 2 that man will even be judged based upon his response to this awareness
through Jesus Christ.
“For the wrath of
God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men
who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about
God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the
creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine
nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so
that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor
Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and
their foolish heart was darkened.” (Romans 1:18–21, NASB95)
“For when Gentiles [Greek:
ethnos meaning race or people which is associated more specifically with
non-Jews] who do not have the Law [given to them by God and passed on] do
instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to
themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts,
their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or
else defending them, on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge
the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.” (Romans 2:14–16, NASB95)
Even before I came to a place that I really understood that
God loved me and that He wanted to have a relationship with me, I knew He
existed. And there was a desire in my heart to find Him. As I’ve talked with
others I heard the same story over and over, as people are prompted to look to
God. On my own I wouldn’t know where to start, but God placed that spark and He
nurtured it—preparing my heart to respond to His gift of salvation.
In Romans chapter 3 we read of God’s answer to that burning
in our hearts, whether we were raised being trained in His Word, as a Jew who
has had the Law passed down for thousands of years, or we came from a place of
little to no understanding. That answer is to trust in Christ.
“But now apart from
the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the
Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus
Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have
sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His
grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed
publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate
His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins
previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the
present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has
faith in Jesus.” (Romans 3:21–26, NASB95)
And this answer was the same even for those who came before
the cross, such as Abraham of whom Scripture declares: “”For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed
God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Now to the one
who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the
one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith
is credited as righteousness,” (Romans 4:3–5, NASB95)
I love marching through Romans and easily could continue.
But be it enough said for now that God is present to reveal Himself to those
who are close and those who are far away. And He is relationally present for
those who have trusted in Him for salvation. If you haven’t done so yet, it’s
really simple—just talk to Him, admit your need for a savior, thank Him for
that Savior in His Son, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and was raised
again on the third day not only giving us freedom from sin, but newness of life
for all eternity, and ask. He promised He would give. And for those who have
trusted Christ, know that our God will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews
13:5), nor will anyone or any power ever snatch us from His hand (John
10:27-29).
Enjoy His presence.
Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (8/24)
I am all around you, hovering over you even as you seek My
Face. I am nearer than you dare believe, closer than the air you breathe. If My
children could only recognize My Presence, they would never feel lonely again.
I know every thought before you think it, every word before you speak it. My
Presence impinges on your innermost being. Can you see the absurdity of trying
to hide anything from me? You can easily deceive other people, and even
yourself; but I read you like an open, large-print book.
Deep within themselves, most people have some awareness of
My imminent Presence. Many people run from Me and vehemently deny My existence,
because My closeness terrifies them. But My own children have nothing to fear,
for I have cleansed them by My blood and clothed them in My righteousness. Be
blessed by My intimate nearness. Since I live in you, that Me also live through
you, shining My Light into the darkness.
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when
I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going
out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on
my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. Psalm 139:1-4
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been
brought near through the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13
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