The Word Revealed
Rhythm: Be With Jesus
I consider myself to be a Bible nerd. It fascinates me to see connections between the Old and New Testament, seeing the big picture of scripture which has an overlying major thread running from the first page of the Bible to the last. Even as a kid, I used to sit in “big church” because I wanted to be a part of the sermons and deep study. I am thankful the Lord gave me a desire to learn, but more importantly that he provided his Word to reveal more of himself to us each day.
God has revealed himself to his creation in many ways. Paul makes an argument in Romans 1 that through the general revelation of God to all mankind, no one has an excuse to say they do not know him. “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 [we] are without excuse” (Rom. 1:20). Having a knowledge of God’s existence does not have the power to save; it can convict, but the natural world around us cannot convey the message of Christ and the hope and mechanism of salvation.
The fullest manifestation of God’s glory in his creation is through the person of Jesus Christ – “and the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
God also gave to his creation the written Word as a revelation of his person, his nature, his character, and his righteousness. The Holy Spirit inspired men to record the heart and mind of God as it had been shown to them, the infallible, enduring Word that is the highest authority among creation. Just hear how men under the inspiration and authority of the Spirit speak about scripture:
“All scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16
“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” Luke 11:28
“The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
We should ask, why did God create language? If we were created to simply bring glory to God in individual worship, then there was no need for us to be able to communicate with each other. Language was created, though, for us to be able to share the knowledge of God, ideas about God, and worship God corporately. His inspired Word was given so we could combine our intellectual experiences as we explore who we are and who he is. God gave us his Word to understand his redemptive plan through history; to preserve it, and to share it with others. To understand him more deeply drives us to enjoy and worship him more thoroughly.
God’s word reveals his lovingkindness; the beauty of his holiness is recorded in the pages of scripture. He invites each of us into a personal relationship with him, then shows us who he is through the depth of his word. Enjoy a quiet time as His Word washes over you; love him with all your mind as you study with your Bible and a good, thick commentary. “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Cor. 1:18). Believer, come to the table and feast on the nourishment that is the Word of God.
Written By: Tim Gardner