Knowing God

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
And we all, who with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 

Recently I was reading the Old Testament book of Ezekiel. What took me by surprise was how often the phrase ‘then you will know that I am the Lord God’ is repeated. God was longing for his people to recognise and understand who he really is, so that their living would be radically changed as a consequence. 

We all need to grow continually in our knowledge and understanding of God. Paul prayed that ‘the Father of glory may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation, in the knowledge of him’ (1)

One reason that we should look to 'things that are above' is that we need to see Our Father more clearly, to worship him and, in a healthy way, to stand in awe of him. If only we had the same motivation as Paul who wanted to ‘press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.’ (2)  He knew where he was going and was longing to meet his maker and friend. He couldn’t repeat what he had heard and experienced when he was 'caught up into paradise' (3) but it clearly had a profound effect on him. 

We can’t all have a similar experience, but don’t we too yearn to know God better, to see his glory and to trust him more fully? 

So then let's focus on the scriptures that describe God and his character, telling us about his ways and purposes, showing us what he is really like, portraying him enthroned in glory and in complete control of the whole world - so that our vision of him might inspire, humble and encourage us to yield gladly to his will and purpose for our lives.

Prayer - Lord, please give me a consuming desire to know you and reveal more of yourself to me, by your Spirit. I ask this in Jesus’ name.  

(1) Ephesians 1:17   (2) Philippians 3:1   (3) 2Corinthiams 12:3