Who is God?

"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." ESV Revelation 4:11

Here in the Deep South, we sometimes use language that is very familiar to us and simply assume that our hearers comprehend it as intended. Take this phrase for instance: “I am fixing (pronounced fxn) to go to town.” The phrase seems perfectly clear to me, as I’m sure it is to you, but use the same phrase in Boston and most people will immediately wonder what is broken and just how going to town will fix it. A more precise sentence might read, “I am about to leave for town;” which of course is easily comprehended by all.

We also have the distinction of living in the Bible belt. And we sometimes use Bible belt language that is not universally understood. Take this phrase: “I have been saved.” Now, the initiated correctly understand the phrase to be personal testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. But to the uninitiated, the same phrase will leave them wondering; saved from what?

Who is God? It seems like a straightforward question doesn’t it? But let me suggest that the question isn’t altogether clear for a lot of folks. Unfortunately, the word “God” means different things to different people. The quandary is best illustrated by this quote I picked up recently: “God created man in his image and now man has returned the compliment.” See the problem?

My personal conviction is that the God of the Bible is the One True God. And the Bible is never short on descriptions of God. In this one short verse in Revelation we see that he is Lord (or boss), worthy of glory and honor. It also affirms his distinction as the supreme Creator of everything; you, me, heaven and earth; everything. And it implies that creation is an act of his will. In other words, all of creation exists just because God wants it to! Wow.

I confess to being grieved at just how flippant our society treats these truths from the Bible. It is as if we simply don’t take God seriously. But, if he’s simply an image of our own creation, then why should we?

Well, the One True God is not our creation. The prophet Isaiah got a glimpse of his glory in a vision and could only respond by saying, “Woe is me! For I am lost…my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of host!” Isaiah got it. Isaiah got a glimpse of God in all his perfect holiness and splendor. Isaiah got a glimpse of the One True God; Lord and Creator. Have you seen the same God?

Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church in Russellville where he leads an adult Bible study. Comments are welcome and may be sent to kenaskew@charter.net.