Who Do You Say? Reading With the People of God #19Sample

Are You Even Listening?

Have you been there? You pour your heart out only to receive a comment to prove that the trusted person you are talking to isn't even listening. Poor Job! After an excellent explanation of God's ways and ultimate Sovereignty, his friend still launches into the same advice as before. Oh, it sounds logical...a neat package of well planned words at face value; no evidence, just assumption and blame.

I am further convinced that in both of our readings today the TRUTH is the point. While the details can be fascinating, and guide us to try to unlock deeper understanding, the Final Trumpet declares, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15b NIV). Whether we comprehend all of the things past or things to come, one thing remains; our purpose is to praise and honor the Lord.

God created us with a desire for Him, and our curiosity leads us to seek Him. However, because we are finite beings, we are limited by our own knowledge and experience. The apostle Paul said it this way, "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." (1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV). God has given us His amazing word filled with so much to grasp; true stories to which to relate, mysteries to consider, guidance, and grace. This can be an exciting challenge that brings some to crave more in voracious reading or a daunting task causing others to find a great struggle to achieve insight.

My prayer is that we do not get so caught up in the intricate details that we miss (like Eliphaz) the importance that God is Who He says He is, does what He says He will do, and loves us just as He promised. We live in the "details", but one day, if we have accepted His gift of Salvation through Christ - who came as the baby we adore this time of year, lived a sinless life to be our sacrifice as payment for sin, and resurrected to conquer death and give us the opportunity for eternity - we can join the 24 elders and say, “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign." (Revelation 11:17 NIV).

Primer contributed by Gaylyn Mott, Christ follower, musician, teacher, yarn artist, member of Cornerstone Community Church of Chowchilla.