“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalm 19:7

Simplicity

Cultivating Awe and Reverence for God, Day 14

Walk his Way revisited —First posted in January, 2017

I was listening to some teachings that gave an extensive analysis of the six days of creation. The teacher has degrees in certain academic pursuits that are way over my head. He knew quantum physics, all branches of mathematics, astronomy, biology, and every other science that gave him understanding of what God did at creation. He doesn’t pretend he knows everything about it, because the more he knows, the more he knows that he doesn’t know. Nevertheless, he knows a whole lot more than I do.

The longer I listened, the more fascinated I was by taking this bigger view of God. But I was equally frustrated that I couldn’t exactly understand what he was saying. I said to my husband, “It seems that the common person will never know all this. We will never really understand what God did in creation. We need skilled teachers to interpret it for us or else we will be left behind in the dark Land of Not Knowing.”

My husband then told me what noted Bible teacher and author Chuck Missler once said, “The Word of God is shallow enough for a baby to wade in, and deep enough for an elephant to bathe in.”

The simple, understandable truths of the gospel are available to all mankind. Sin, salvation, forgiveness, and redemption are readily understood. No one is left out of the kingdom due to not understanding it. In fact, the Spirit interprets the Word of God to our hearts so that we can choose to come to Him and be saved.

But there are also very deep, scientific, mathematical, logical principles that took place during creation. These things do not affect our salvation, but they are magnificent when attributed to the hand of God. In studying some of these things, our eyes are opened to wonders, to greatness, to splendor—to awe and reverence. God becomes high and lifted up in our minds and hearts.

As I tried to take in these academic teachings, I listened and pondered, took notes and compared Scriptures. In the end, I knew a few new things, but I also craved the simplicity of God’s teaching. Here are the first few simple things I realize I know:

God is good.

Christ has come.

I am saved.

He chose me.

Peace, be still.

All is well.

I plan to add to this list of sentences made of three, one-syllable words. Feel free to add your own in the comments. And although I know there are myriad topics I will never understand, I have been given what I need to confess my sins, repent, and walk with Christ.

Our Lord and Savior, absolutely powerful in Word and deed, You have done great and mighty things beyond comprehension. And yet, You gave us a Word we could grasp. We are thankful beyond words. Amen.