Friday, March 29, 2024

Devotion Page

Posted

In the last article I asked the question, “Who is God?” Here is the answer from the Bible: God is creator and God is our wise instructor. From here I want to look at the question, “What are we?” If God is there and if God created us and if God has spoken to us, what has he said about us? What are we?

We are created. There once was a time when you were not. So, who is responsible for the fact of your existence? At the base level, obviously, we’d point to a biological mother and a biological father. Scripture, however, pulls the curtain back and lets us look even deeper into the reasons for your existence. King David (from David and Goliath) understood exactly what was going on behind the curtain. He wrote concerning God, “you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13 ESV). God himself creates. God created you.

If we look even further at the reason for your existence you’ll see the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:2 tells us that it was through the Son that the Father created the world. Then Hebrews 1:3 tells us that this same Son “upholds the universe by the word of his power” (ESV). Every gigantic star in the universe and every tiny molecule in your body owes its continued existence to Jesus. Do you remember Colossians 1:16 from last week: “all things were created through him and for him” (ESV)? You may not see him standing there, but God wants you to understand that you were created by him, you are sustained by him, and you exist for him.

You were created by God. You are sustained by God. You exist for God. Listen to God. Trust God.

In the very beginning we see God speaking to the ones he created and instructing them concerning life (read Genesis 1-3 for the full story). Through history God has sent his prophets. These people were God’s messengers. God kept instructing his people. These prophets didn’t get to make up the message. They were required to faithfully deliver God’s word. Men like Moses, Elijah, and Isaiah were God’s prophets. Jesus is the greatest prophet. On one occasion (Jesus’ transfiguration) the Father spoke directly. His message was simple, “This is my beloved Son, listen to him” (Matthew 17:5).

You were created by God. God knows how you and all of life are intended to work. God isn’t surprised by technological advancements or the introduction of viruses. Behind it all there is God. But God hasn’t hidden himself. God has spoken so that you will put your trust in him. And God isn’t some selfish dictator exploiting his creation, slashing and burning the rain forests of our lives. God has spoken for our good.

You were created by God. You are sustained by God. You exist for God. Trust God.

If you’d like to continue the conversation, please email me at paulduncan@mambrino.org.