How then shall we “know” God (GINOSKO)? In our earth-bound school-room, what lesson books are made available to us? I believe there are many. But here are just a few suggestions.
- The Bible. This must come first because it claims to be God’s revelation of His Person and His purposes. Our Bibles must never gather dust on the shelf, or be placed in a trunk saying, “Not required on voyage”.
- The Book of Creation. We are given eyes to see the wonders of God’s creation, but oftentimes the very things we look at are too commonplace to attract focused attention. But every living thing, both vegetable and animal, bears life from God, and helps us to know Him in the realms of beauty and design.
- Answers to prayer. Those precious little miracles that help us along the pathway of life, too small for others to notice, but to us a reflection of the lovingkindness and compassion of our Father God.
- Books on “near-death experiences”. (NDEs) which almost all bear the message – “Act towards others with unconditional love and compassion.” Why? Because these qualities are part of God’s character.
- The history of revivals, which exhibit the ministry of the Holy Spirit with remarkable clarity.
Here is one of the most important sayings of the Lord –
“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD. Jeremiah 9:23-24
And here is another like unto it –
“Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6.
“Getting to know you” is Anna’s song from the Musical “The King and I”, by Rodgers & Hammerstein, 1951. First sung by Gertrude Lawrence.
NDEs. Books by Marietta Davis, Raymond Moody, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, George Ritchie, Betty Eadie, Eben Alexander, et al.
