GOD -- WHO IS THAT?
Malachi 3:2 (New Revised Standard Version)
2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire.
Psalm 36:7 (New Revised Standard Version)
7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
OK. Both quotes are from the same Bible, the same translation. Which one is right? How can God be so frightening that we faint when he appears and so comforting that we can shelter under his wings. Does God even have fire or wings?
Maybe the answer is in the writer. We usually agree, no matter our theology, that the writers of scripture experienced a very close relationship with God. They were immersed in a life of prayer; communication with God was like breathing. We know that the stories of Bible heroes were passed on from one generation to the next. Parents told their children of the majestic and miraculous works of God even before written language.
If I want to know more about who God is and what God is like, I need to spend more time talking to God and more time studying the scriptures. There are many ways to do that, even virtually. If I want to learn who God is and how God is working through the events of each day there are many ways to do so, starting right here at St. John’s.
Day by day, dear Lord, of you three things I pray:
To see you more clearly,
Love you more dearly,
Follow you more nearly, day by day.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Sue Uzelmeier
