It is generally accepted that we tend to overlook the things with which we are familiar. I find that when we pause for a moment and lend our attention to the familiar that it is the fundamental things, the things that we take for granted, that are most profound.
As a western culture one of the things that we tend to be familiar with is the Bible. The Bible has been a part of who we are for centuries, even millennia. We shape our lives according to its commands and appeals, we find encouragement in its blessings and affirmations, and we identify with its words thanksgiving and affirmation. This familiarity with the scriptures is a gift. The fact that the Bible is a part of our cultural heritage is the result of nothing more than grace.
At the same time, because of our familiarity with the Bible, we run the risk of overlooking the simple reality of the Bible itself. When we take a moment to pause and reflect on the fact that we can hold in our hands God’s very word to his people we can begin to see how profound this is.
There are some things that the mere existence of the Bible tells us today. First, that God is a person. God is not an impersonal force (as many eastern religious propose). God has a will, he has desires, he experiences joy, sorrow, disappointment, and even happiness. God even has a sense of humor. More than any of these, however, God loves. An impersonal force does not, nor cannot love.
Second, God is a person who wishes to be known. God reveals himself. We cannot overlook this. The Bible itself makes it clear that God has revealed himself in the creation (Psalm 19:1–6). God goes beyond this as well. God also reveals himself in a more specific, personal manner through his word. God does not want to be far off from his creation. God wishes to be immanent (close) to it all. God wants people to know who he is. God wants people to know of his love.
Hebrews 1:1–3a says this:
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power (ESV).
The writer of Hebrews is telling us that of all the ways that God has revealed his own personal nature, the clearest image of who God is is Jesus himself. Do you want to know who God is? Do you wish to know his character? Look at Jesus. Jesus himself says, “If you have seen me you have seen the father” (John 14:19).
Interesting, isn’t it, that God wishes to be known? He does everything in his power (which is a lot) to reveal himself so that people can see him for who he is. Not only this, but God also wishes to know you.
I’m thankful today that he’s not far off, that he’s a person, that he wishes to be known, and he wishes to know us, and that he is compassionate, that he is love. Without Jesus we would not know.
