Knowledge of God

“The words of a priest’s lips should preserve knowledge of God, and people should go to him for instruction, for the priest is the messenger of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. [Malachi 2.7]

I understand that the veil of the Temple was torn at Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf. I also understand that the role of "priest" changed significantly concurrent with Jesus' work for mankind. But one thing did not change: there would remain those in leadership who should teach God's people the knowledge of God.

What Christian leaders teach God's people is important. I suppose that goes without saying, but I have made the statement just the same. I believe, it may be seen as the primary role of the leaders among God's people to "preserve the knowledge of God."

What does it mean to preserve the knowledge of God? It means to clearly present the character and nature of God according to the Word of God.

Herein lies a problem: it is difficult to convey the knowledge of God to others if first the presenter does not have the knowledge of God!

Who is God? What is God like? What does God do?

The answers to the questions above are not found in libraries with endless walls of books, writings, commentaries, concordances, and the likes. The answers to the questions above should only be tied directly to the Scriptures. And, even more specifically, the answers to the questions, "Who is God? What is God like? and What does God do?" are best answered by God Himself as recorded in the Scriptures (this includes Jesus' answers to these questions too).

In a world gone academically mad, there lies an inherent and ironic danger of misinformation. Never in history have we seen this more clearly than we do today (2021). What we have in overwhelming abundance more than anything are opinions. The more opinions we have, the less chance we have of accuracy of information. And that is precisely where our society is right now.

So, we need a standard. I present that standard as God's Word - the Bible. And, I make clear distinction here between the Bible and the plethora of academic (and otherwise) writings about the Bible (including my own here)! Our knowledge of God needs to originate from God Himself.

I challenge everyone to know God based on what He says about Himself. Find out what He says about Himself in the Bible. THEN, weigh what God says about Himself against what the world thinks about God. There will be stark contrast. Unfortunately, that stark contrast will be seen in the Church too. Yes, misinformation (fostered by the recorded and studied opinions of 'select' leaders) has reached epidemic levels in the Church.

Consequently, the Church, like the world, looks at life through a lens of misinformation and sadly experiences life in no particular distinction from the world other than 'religious habits' like going to church or praying before meals. There is no comparison between most believers' lives today and the life modeled by Jesus (even with Jesus Himself stating our lives should look like His).

I will narrow this conversation to an understandable and relevant level right here:

He said, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you.” [Exodus 15.26]

If God is our Healer - and states clearly that He is our Healer, then why do we ignore this Biblical fact and instead turn to the knowledge of man and medicine when we encounter sickness and disease?

Oh now, I've gone too far, haven't I? Call me a fool, call me stupid, or call me a fanatic, but know this: God's Word is no lie and, in this age of misinformation, I will tap God's Word for TRUTH and defy all other sources of "information."

May God help us all to distinguish ourselves from the world in the saving, healing, providing, redeeming knowledge of God!

Father, I want to know You and I am willing to know You more. Help me to know You and, like Jesus, walk this earth by a 'different set of rules.' Forgive me for my contentment with man's opinions of You. Forgive me for ignoring what Your Word specifically says about You. Forgive me for believing opinionated, misinformed religious ideas, doctrines, and theologies that find no basis in YOUR WORD.