A Knowledge Of God, Part II

"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (1)

"God speaks to us through His providential workings and through the influence of His Spirit upon the heart. In our circumstances and surroundings, in the changes daily taking place around us, we may find precious lessons if our hearts are but open to discern them. The psalmist, tracing the work of God's providence, says, 'The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord' (2) 'Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understand the loving-kindness of the Lord.' (3)

"God speaks to us in His word. Here we have in clearer lines the revelation of His character, of His dealings with men, and the great work of redemption. Here is open before us the history of patriarchs and prophets and other holy men of old. They were men 'with passions like ours.' (4) We see how they struggled through discouragements like our own, how they fell under temptation as we have, and yet took heart again and conquered through the grace of God; and, beholding, we are encouraged in our striving after [doing what is right]. As we read the precious experiences granted them, of the light and love and blessing it was theirs to enjoy, and of the work they wrought through the grace given them, the spirit that inspired them kindles a flame of holy emulation in our hearts and a desire to be like them in character - like them to walk with God.

"Jesus said of the Old Testament Scriptures, - and how much more is it true of the New, - 'These are they which testify of Me,' (5) the Redeemer, Him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. Yes, the whole Bible tells of Christ. From the first record of creation - for 'without Him was not anything made that was made' (6) - to the closing promise, 'Behold, I come quickly,' (7) we are reading of His works and listening to His voice. If you would become acquainted with the Saviour, study the Holy Scriptures. Fill the whole heart with the words of God. They are the living water, quenching your burning thirst. They are the living bread from heaven. Jesus declared, 'Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.' (8) And He explains Himself by saying, 'As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven - He who eats this bread will live forever.' (9)" (10)

As we meditate on the One who came to set us free (11) "our faith and love will grow stronger, and our prayers will be more and more acceptable to God, because they will be more and more mixed with faith and love. They will be intelligent and fervent. There will be more constant confidence in Jesus, and a daily, living experience in His power to save to the uttermost all that come to God by Him… The more our thoughts are on Christ, the more we will speak of Him to others and represent Him to the world." (10)

1. 1 Corinthians 2:9.
2. Psalm 33:5.
3. Psalm 107:43.
4. James 5:17.
5. John 5:39.
6. John 1:3.
7. Revelation 22:12.
8. John 6:53.
9. John 6:57, 58.
10. Steps to Christ, pp. 59-61
11. John 8:32.