THE GOD WHO REVEALS
God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.
Ephesians 3:5 (NLT)
The difference between the Old and New Testaments can be confusing. The Old Testament contains stories where God's judgment seems overwhelming. Meanwhile, the New Testament usually feels more understandable because we see God revealed through Jesus. So, did God change? Did Jesus' coming somehow make the stories before Him irrelevant?
No, God has always had one plan. He was revealing it slowly along the way.
Since the beginning, God has been slowly revealing His character, His purpose and His plan to His people.
* In Eden, God reveals that sin deserves judgment, but sinners receive mercy.
* Through Abraham, God reveals His promise to bless the nations.
* Through Moses, He reveals His holiness and humanity's need for a mediator.
* Through the prophets, He reveals hope for a coming Messiah.
In Jesus, the picture comes into focus. Because of Jesus and the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit, we now have access to the fullness of that revelation. Even so, growing in our understanding of it still takes time.
Why does God teach us so slowly? Because He is kind. God is a patient Father. He knows humanity's frailty and how He designed us to develop over time. God's patience doesn't delay His goodness. Rather, it's an expression of His goodness. Everything God does is good, right and perfect.
In the same way, He slowly reveals Himself throughout Scripture. He does the same in our lives. There's something beautiful about the slow, purposeful journey we're on with Jesus. He doesn't require us to know everything immediately or balk at our immaturities. Rather, like a good father, He walks through the process with us, giving us the revelation, wisdom, courage and time to grow.
The great gift we have in this life is the Holy Spirit. He's our teacher, guide and comforter. There's nothing—no knowledge, no achievement, no power that can replace the work He does in our lives. While the process of revelation may feel frustrating, we can be confident that He'll be with us along the way.
APPLICATION: Thank God for what He has revealed, and ask the Holy Spirit for faith to trust what He has not yet revealed. Rest in His goodness as you wait for more of His revelation.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for revealing Yourself to me. Teach me how to wait and long for Your presence. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?