Updated 27 July 2020
Lessons from the Wilderness, Volume Eighteen
WHO ARE YOU GOD?
The truth of God may well be likened to a narrow path skirted on either side by a dangerous and destructive precipice: in other words, it lies between two gulfs of error.
- A. W. Pink
He appeared in a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. He appeared in a whirlwind and as thunder, voices, and lightning on a mountain top.
We read about Him in the Scriptures, we pray to Him, yet I dare say, we hardly know Him at all.
Some will Him manifested as a man, the Son of Man, suffering all the temptations that are common to all men, all the feelings we all share and yet sinless, as only the Word of God can be. Others won't see Him as a unity, as a three-in-one Godhead, but as "echad". Yeshua declared in John 17:1-3 who He is:
John 17:1-3 (Complete Jewish Bible)
After Yeshua had said these things, he looked up toward heaven and said, "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, so that the Son may glorify you— (2) just as you gave him authority over all mankind, so that he might give eternal life to all those whom you have given him.
(3) And eternal life is this: to know you, the one true God, and him whom you sent, Yeshua the Messiah.
Yeshua our Messiah struggled here on earth, He laughed and cried. He had anger, though righteous was it. He loved and suffered loss, yet we question whether He was G-d, or just the Son of G-d. In truth, He was begotten in the image of the Father, with all the attributes of
G-d but:
Phillippians 2:1-11
1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 [†] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion [a] as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [1]
Regarding Yeshua, this we know:
- He poured out His blood on a rugged wooden cross. (Mark 15:25-39, ,Luke 23:33-43, John 1:11, John 1:19-25, John 3:36, John 14:6, John 18:36, Acts 2:36,
- He was dead but is now alive, resurrected. (John 11:25-26, Mark 16:6, Luke 24:6-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:14, Matthew 28:5-6, 1 Peter 1:3, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 1 Corinthians 15:21, John 20:8-9, Matthew 20:18-19, Hebrews 13:20-21, Philippians 3:10)
- He is I AM. (John 6:20; 8:24, 28, 58; 18:5)
These we know of Yeshua, but what of G-d? Who is He? Can we ever know the great G-d Almighty and through this understanding can we know His Son? How can our finite minds grasp the concept of a Being that existed before there was nothing? Can you understand the scope and breath of an immortal Being, one who is Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? Can we understand the begotten Son of G-d, the Word made flesh? If we ask the question “Who are you G-d?” can we find the answer to “Who are You Messiah?”
God Himself says He is unsearchable. How do we even cope with the knowledge of such a supernatural Being? Who are you God? Reveal yourself to me. Look at Adonai, in His own words, in His names and attributes, through His character – and ultimately – through His Son Yeshua. Come and let us hear a distant thunder; hear it crack the sky then heed the call of the spirit and ask the question below...
(Author's note: Please read the following verses in their context, you should know,
five above and five below to get the full understanding of the text.)
Who are you God?
You are:
The Beginning:
(Deu 32:39 NASB)
'See now that I, I am He, And there is no god besides Me;
It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded and it is I who heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand. [3]
(John 1:1-5 KJV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. [4]
(Rev 1:8 KJV)
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning, and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
(Rev 1:11 KJV)
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
(Rev 21:6 KJV)
And he said unto me, "It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning, and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."
(Rev 22:13 KJV)
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning, and the end, the first and the last.
Abba, Father:
ISA. 43:1-7
But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art Mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3 For I am the Lord thy God, The Holy One of Israel, thy Savior; I have given Egypt as thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. 4 Since thou art precious in My sight, and honorable, and I have loved thee; therefore, will I give men for thee, and peoples for thy life. 5 Fear not, for I am with thee; I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; 6 I will say to the north: ‘Give up,’ and to the south: ‘Keep not back, bring My sons from far, and My daughters from the end of the earth; 7 Every one that is called by My name, and whom I have created for My glory, I have formed him, yea, I have made him.’ [6]
(Mark 14:36 KJV)
And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless, not what I will, but what thou wilt.
(Rom 8:15 KJV)
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
(Gal 4:6 KJV)
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
All able, almighty God:
(2 Cor 9:8 KJV)
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work
(Eph 3:20 KJV)
Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
(Rev 4:8 KJV)
And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
(Rev 19:6 KJV)
And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
All-sufficient [El-Shaddai]:
(2 Cor 3:5 KJV)
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves;
but our sufficiency is of God;
(2 Cor 12:9-10 KJV)
And he said unto me, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
All-knowing, wisdom:
(John 21:17 KJV)
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, loves thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Loves thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou know all things; thou know that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
1 Corinthians 1:18–31 (NASB95)
And the cleverness of the clever I will set aside.”
[a] Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of [b] this age? Has not God [c] made foolish the wisdom of [d] the world? For since in the wisdom of God [a] the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, [b] God was well-pleased through the [c] foolishness of the [1] message preached to [d] save those who believe.
For indeed [a] Jews ask for [1] signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach [1] [a] Christ crucified, [b] to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles [c] foolishness, but to those who are [a] the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ [b] the power of God and [c] the wisdom of God. Because the [a] foolishness of God is wiser than men, and [b] the weakness of God is stronger than men. For [1] consider your [a] calling, brethren, that there were [b] not many wise according to [2] the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but [a] God has chosen the foolish things of [b] the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of [b] the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of [a] the world and the despised God has chosen, [b] the things that are not, so that He may [c] nullify the things that are, so that [a] no [1] man may boast before God. But [1] by His doing you are in [a] Christ Jesus, who became to us [b] wisdom from God, [2] and [c] righteousness and [d] sanctification, and [e] redemption, so that, just as it is written,
Counselor and Friend:
(John 14:26 KJV)
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
(Isa 11:2 KJV)
And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
(John 15:14 KJV)
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
(John 15:15 KJV)
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
Creator:
(Gen 1:1-2 KJV)
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. [8]
Deliverer:
(Psa 18:2 KJV)
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
(Psa 144:2 KJV)
My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.
Everlasting I AM:
(Exo 3:14 KJV)
And God said unto Moses, "I AM THAT I AM": and he said, "Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you..."
(John 8:58 KJV)
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
(Psa 106:48 KJV)
Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.
Exalted:
(Psa 18:46 KJV)
The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
(Psa 148:13 KJV)
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.
(Acts 2:33 KJV)
Therefore, being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
Faithful and True, trustworthy:
(Rev 19:11 KJV)
And I saw heaven opened and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. [9]
(2 Tim 2:13 KJV)
If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
(1 Th 5:24 KJV)
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
Precious Father, Perfect
(Deu 32:6 KJV)
Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?
(Psa 68:5 KJV)
A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
(Isa 9:6 KJV)
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
(Mat 5:48 KJV)
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Forgiveness of sin:
(Isa 55:7 KJV)
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
(Eph 1:7 KJV)
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
(Col 1:14 KJV)
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Fortress and stronghold:
(Psa 9:9 KJV)
The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
(Psa 31:2-3 KJV)
Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for a house of defense to save me. For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore, for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
(Prov 14:26 KJV)
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
(Prov 14:26)
Those who fear the Lord so as to obey and serve him, have a strong ground of confidence, and will be preserved. Let us seek to this Fountain of life, that we may escape the snares of death.
Gentle and Kind:
(2 Cor 10:1 KJV)
Now I Paul, myself, beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
(Titus 3:4 KJV)
But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared,
God who is always there:
(John 20:28 KJV)
And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
(Rev 21:7 KJV)
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
(Psa 63:1-2 KJV)
A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. [10]
Great and Awesome God:
(Exo 15:11 KJV)
Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
(Psa 99:3 KJV)
Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.
Holy, holy, holy God:
(Isa 6:3 KJV)
And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
(Rev 4:8 KJV)
And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
(Josh 24:19 KJV)
And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is a holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.
I AM:
(Exo 3:14 KJV)
And God said unto Moses, "I AM THAT I AM": and he said, "Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you..."
(Exo 3:15 KJV)
And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you:
this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.
(Psa 119:91 KJV)
They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.
(Rom 8:28 KJV)
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
King of Kings:
(Dan 2:37 KJV)
Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.
(1 Tim 6:15 KJV)
Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate,
the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
(Rev 17:14 KJV)
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
(Rev 19:16 KJV)
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
King of Glory:
(Psa 24:7-10 KJV)
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors;
and the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah. [11]
(1 Cor 2:8 KJV)
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Living bread, water:
(John 6:51 KJV)
I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
(John 4:10 KJV)
Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
(John 7:37-39 KJV)
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said,
out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) [12]
Living God:
(Psa 42:4 KJV)
When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
(Rom 8:11 KJV)
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
(Jer 10:10 KJV)
But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.
Lord of All:
(Acts 10:36 KJV)
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel,
preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
(Rom 10:12 KJV)
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. [13]
Most High God:
(Psa 78:35 KJV)
And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.
(Acts 16:17 KJV)
The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying,
These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation.
(Mark 5:7 KJV)
And cried with a loud voice, and said,
What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God?
I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
Name above all names:
(Phil 2:9 KJV)
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
(Eph 1:21 KJV)
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
None other:
(2 Sam 7:22 KJV)
Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
(Isa 45:21 KJV)
Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Savior; there is none beside me.
Perfect, perfection:
(Heb 2:9 KJV)
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor
that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
(Heb 2:10-14 KJV)
For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctified and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; [14]
(Heb 5:9 KJV)
And being made perfect,
he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him...
Provider, source:
(Phil 4:19 KJV)
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
(Psa 34:10 KJV)
The young lions do lack and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
(Psa 84:11 KJV)
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Redeemer:
(Job 19:25 KJV)
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
(Psa 19:14 KJV)
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Refiner, purifier, consuming fire:
(Mal 3:2-3 KJV)
But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
(1 John 1:7 KJV)
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
(Heb 12:29 KJV)
For our God is a consuming fire.
(1 Cor 3:13 KJV)
Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
Restorer of my soul:
(Isa 57:18 KJV)
I have seen his ways and will heal him: I will lead him also and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.
(Psa 23:3 KJV)
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
(Joel 2:25 KJV)
And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
Our Rock:
(Psa 31:2 KJV)
Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily:
be thou my strong rock, for a house of defense to save me.
(Psa 31:3 KJV)
For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore, for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
(Psa 61:2 KJV)
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee when my heart is overwhelmed:
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
(1 Cor 10:4 KJV)
And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
The Same:
(Heb 13:8 KJV)
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.
(Mal 3:6 KJV)
For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore, ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
Spirit of Truth:
(John 16:13 KJV)
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
(John 14:17 KJV)
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not,
neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you.
Teacher:
(John 13:13 KJV)
Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
(Psa 32:8-11 KJV)
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. [15]
The Unchanging One:
(Psa 147:5 KJV)
Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.
(Psa 102:27 KJV)
But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.
(James 1:17 KJV)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
The Vine:
(John 15:1 KJV)
(John 15:5 KJV)
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Worthy of all praise:
(Rev 4:11 KJV)
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
(Rev 5:12 KJV)
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.
(Psa 18:3 KJV)
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
Do you hear it yet? The Sound of Thunder, the Voice of heaven, Deep calling out to deep. God has never stopped speaking, never stopped calling out to His people. Wisdom, counsel, wealth to the poor, healing, salvation… Who can say that God is silent? Look at His names. Look at His character. Look toward His Son. Listen: The Voice of heaven sounds like lightning: it sounds like thunder; it sounds like many waters or voices. It is the voice of the Lord breaking in—His voice cracks the sky, breaks the strangle-hold of darkness. So, if you ask, “Who are you God?”, His answer is all around us. It permeates His Holy word. If we question Him, He’ll give us the same answer he gave to Job:
Job 38:1-41 (NKJV)
1 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said:
2 “Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
3 Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me.
4 “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me if you have understanding.
5 Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it?
6 To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone,
7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
8 “Or who shut in the sea with doors, When it burst forth and issued from the womb;
9 When I made the clouds its garment, And thick darkness its swaddling band;
10 When I fixed My limit for it, And set bars and doors;
11 When I said, ‘This far you may come, but no farther,
And here your proud waves must stop!’
12 “Have you commanded the morning since your days began, And caused the dawn to know its place,
13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, And the wicked be shaken out of it?
14 It takes on form like clay under a seal and stands out like a garment.
15 From the wicked their light is withheld, And the upraised arm is broken.
16 “Have you entered the springs of the sea? Or have you walked in search of the depths?
17 Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death?
18 Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth? Tell Me if you know all this.
19 “Where is the way to the dwelling of light? And darkness, where is its place,
20 That you may take it to its territory, that you may know the paths to its home?
21 Do you know it, because you were born then, or because the number of your days is great?
22 “Have you entered the treasury of snow, or have you seen the treasury of hail,
23 Which I have reserved for the time of trouble, For the day of battle and war?
24 By what way is light diffused, Or the east wind scattered over the earth?
25 “Who has divided a channel for the overflowing water, Or a path for the thunderbolt,
26 To cause it to rain on a land where there is no one, A wilderness in which there is no man; 27 To satisfy the desolate waste, And cause to spring forth the growth of tender grass?
28 Has the rain a father? Or who has begotten the drops of dew?
29 From whose womb comes the ice? And the frost of heaven, who gives it birth?
30 The waters harden like stone, And the surface of the deep is frozen.
31 “Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades, Or loose the belt of Orion?
32 Can you bring out Mazzaroth in its season? Or can you guide the Great Bear with its cubs?
33 Do you know the ordinances of the heavens? Can you set their dominion over the earth?
34 “Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, that an abundance of water may cover you?
35 Can you send out lightnings, that they may go, and say to you, ‘Here we are!’?
36 Who has put wisdom in the mind? Or who has given understanding to the heart?
37 Who can number the clouds by wisdom? Or who can pour out the bottles of heaven,
38 When the dust hardens in clumps, And the clods cling together?
39 “Can you hunt the prey for the lion, or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,
40 When they crouch in their dens, or lurk in their lairs to lie in wait? 41 Who provides food for the raven, when its young ones' cry to God, and wander about for lack of food? [17]
God, He will answer us. Holy is the Lord, God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come. He the Almighty – and He gives His Son power on the throne of David. So, who are you Lord? After reading His own words, what other answer do we seek?
Today, stand still and listen, the voice of God is still speaking, He speaks through His Word, His Torah, and His Son. I urge you all, turn off the radio, turn off the TV, put down your phone, shut down your computers and pick up His book. Turn the pages of His divine love letter and hear His voice. Once you do, you won’t have to ask, “Who are you God?” You will know. He simply says that:
I AM THAT I AM.
May He richly bless you this day my beloved, Amein and Amein
Greek Strongs: 1063
a fashion: or habit
[1] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (1995). (electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version., Php 2:1–11). Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
[2] Jewish Publication Society of America. (1917). Torah Nevi’im u-Khetuvim. The Holy Scriptures according to the Masoretic text. (Ge 1). Philadelphia, PA: Jewish Publication Society of America.
I kill. Compare 1Sa 2:6. 2Ki 5:7.
I wound. Compare Job 5:18. Hos 6:1.
[4] John 1:1: Verses 1-5. The plainest reason why the Son of God is called the Word, seems to be, that as our words explain our minds to others, so was the Son of God sent in order to reveal his Father's mind to the world. What the evangelist says of Christ proves that he is God. He asserts, His existence in the beginning, His coexistence with the Father. The Word was with God. All things were made by him, and not as an instrument. Without him was not anything made that was made, from the highest angel to the meanest worm. This shows how well qualified, he was for the work of our redemption and salvation. The light of reason, as well as the life of sense, is derived from him, and depends upon him. This eternal Word, this true Light shines but the darkness comprehends it not. Let us pray without ceasing, that our eyes may be opened to behold this Light, that we may walk in it; and thus, be made wise unto salvation, by faith in Jesus Christ. (Matthew Henry)
a Ps 116:12
b Deut 32:28
c Deut 1:31; Ps 74:2; Is 63:16
d Deut 32:15
a Ex 12:26; Ps 78:5–8
[5] New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (Dt 32:6–7). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[6] Jewish Publication Society of America. (1917). Torah Nevi’im u-Khetuvim. The Holy Scriptures according to the Masoretic text. (Is 43). Philadelphia, PA: Jewish Publication Society of America.
a 1 Cor 1:21, 23, 25; 2:14; 4:10
b Acts 2:47; 2 Cor 2:15; 4:3; 2 Thess 2:10
c Rom 1:16; 1 Cor 1:24
a Is 29:14
a Job 12:17; Is 19:11f; 33:18
b Matt 13:22; 1 Cor 2:6, 8; 3:18, 19
c Rom 1:20ff
d John 12:31; 1 Cor 1:27f; 6:2; 11:32; James 4:4
a John 12:31; 1 Cor 1:27f; 6:2; 11:32; James 4:4
b Luke 12:32; Gal 1:15; Col 1:19
c 1 Cor 1:18, 23, 25; 2:14; 4:10
d Rom 11:14; James 5:20
a Matt 12:38
1 I.e. Messiah
a 1 Cor 2:2; Gal 3:1; 5:11
b Luke 2:34; 1 Pet 2:8
c 1 Cor 1:18, 21, 25; 2:14; 4:10
a Rom 8:28
b Rom 1:16; 1 Cor 1:18
c Luke 11:49; 1 Cor 1:30
a 1 Cor 1:18, 21, 23; 2:14; 4:10
b 2 Cor 13:4
1 Lit see
a Rom 11:29
b Matt 11:25; 1 Cor 1:20; 2:8
a James 2:5
b 1 Cor 1:20
b 1 Cor 1:20
a 1 Cor 1:20
b Rom 4:17
c Job 34:19; 1 Cor 2:6; 2 Thess 2:8; Heb 2:14
a Eph 2:9
a Rom 8:1; 1 Cor 4:15
b 1 Cor 1:24
c Jer 23:5f; 33:16; 2 Cor 5:21; Phil 3:9
d 1 Cor 1:2; 6:11; 1 Thess 5:23
e Rom 3:24; Eph 1:7, 14; Col 1:14
a Jer 9:23f; 2 Cor 10:17
[Author's note: The following sections of commentary are taken from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible, published in 1708-1714. This commentary has stood the test of time; it was a book produced in the writer's own words with ‘fear and trembling’ and ‘many prayers’. I include these samples in the hope some of you will chance to look deeper into this humble man's life work.]
[8] Genesis is a name taken from the Greek and signifies "the book of generation or production;" it is properly so called, as containing an account of the origin of all things. There is no other history so old. There is nothing in the most ancient book which exists that contradicts it; while many things recorded by the oldest heathen writers, or to be traced in the customs of different nations, confirm what is related in the book of Genesis. Gen 1:1: Verses 1-2. The first verse of the Bible gives us a satisfying and useful account of the origin of the earth and the heavens. The faith of humble Christians understands this better than the fancy of the most learned men. From what we see of heaven and earth, we learn the power of the great Creator. And let our make and place as men, remind us of our duty as Christians, always to keep heaven in our eye, and the earth under our feet. The Son of God, one with the Father, was with him when he made the world; nay, we are often told that the world was made by him, and nothing was made without him. Oh, what high thoughts should there be in our minds, of that great God whom we worship, and of that great Mediator in whose name we pray! And here, at the beginning of the sacred volume, we read of that Divine Spirit, whose work upon the heart of man is so often mentioned in other parts of the Bible. Observe, that at first there was nothing desirable to be seen, for the world was without form, and void; it was confusion, and emptiness. In like manner the work of grace in the soul is a new creation: and in a graceless soul, one that is not born again, there is disorder, confusion, and every evil work: it is empty of all good, for it is without God; it is dark, it is darkness itself: this is our condition by nature, till Almighty grace works a change in us. (Matthew Henry)
[9] Rev 19:11: (See also Verses 10-21.) Christ, the glorious Head of the church, is described as on a white horse, the emblem of justice and holiness. He has many crowns, for he is King of kings, and Lord of lords. He is arrayed in a vesture dipped in his own blood, by which he purchased his power as Mediator; and in the blood of his enemies, over whom he always prevails. His name is "The Word of God;" a name none fully knows but himself; only this we know, that this Word was God manifest in the flesh; but his perfections cannot be fully understood by any creature. Angels and saints follow, and are like Christ in their armor of purity and righteousness. The threatening's of the written word he is going to execute on his enemies. The ensigns of his authority are his name; asserting his authority and power, warning the most powerful princes to submit, or they must fall before him. The powers of earth and hell make their utmost effort. These verses declare important events, foretold by the prophets. These persons were not excused because they did what their leaders bade them. How vain will be the plea of many sinners at the great day! We followed our guides; we did as we saw others do! God has given a rule to walk by, in his word; neither the example of the most, nor of the chief, must influence us contrary thereto: if we do as the most do, we must go where the most go, even into the burning lake. (Matthew Henry)
[10] Psalms 63: (v. 1,2) David's desire toward God. (v. 3-6) His satisfaction in God. (v. 7-11) His dependence upon God, and assurance of safety. Psa 63:1: Verses 1-2. Early will I seek thee. The true Christian devotes to God the morning hour. He opens the eyes of his understanding with those of his body and awakes each morning to righteousness. He arises with a thirst after those comforts which the world cannot give and has immediate recourse by prayer to the Fountain of the water of life. The true believer is convinced, that nothing in this sinful world can satisfy the wants and desires of his immortal soul; he expects his happiness from God, as his portion. When faith and hope are most in exercise, the world appears a weary desert, and the believer longs for the joys of heaven, of which he has some foretastes in the ordinances of God upon earth. (Matthew Henry)
[11] Psa 24:7: Verses 7-10. The splendid entry here described, refers to the solemn bringing in of the ark into the tent David pitched for it, or the temple Solomon built for it. We may also apply it to the ascension of Christ into heaven, and the welcome given to him there. Our Redeemer found the gates of heaven shut, but having by his blood made atonement for sin, as one having authority, he demanded entrance. The angels were to worship him, Hebrews 1:6: they ask with wonder, Who is he? It is answered, that he is strong and mighty; mighty in battle to save his people, and to subdue his and their enemies. We may apply it to Christ's entrance into the souls of men by his word and Spirit, that they may be his temples. Behold, he stands at the door, and knocks, Revelation 3:20. The gates and doors of the heart are to be opened to him, as possession is delivered to the rightful owner. We may apply it to his second coming with glorious power. Lord, open the everlasting door of our souls by thy grace, that we may now receive thee, and be wholly thine; and that, at length, we may be numbered with thy saints in glory. (Matthew Henry)
[12] John 7:37: Verses 37-39. On the last day of the feast of tabernacles, the Jews drew water and poured it out before the Lord. It is supposed that Christ alluded to this. If any man desires to be truly and forever happy, let him apply to Christ, and be ruled by him. This thirst means strong desires after spiritual blessings, which nothing else can satisfy; so the sanctifying and comforting influences of the Holy Spirit, were intended by the waters which Jesus called on them to come to Him and drink. The comfort flows plentifully and constantly as a river; strong as a stream to bear down the opposition of doubts and fears. There is a fulness in Christ, of grace for grace. The Spirit dwelling and working in believers, is as a fountain of living, running water, out of which plentiful streams flow, cooling, and cleansing as water. The miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit we do not expect, but for his more common and more valuable influences we may apply. These streams have flowed from our glorified Redeemer, down to this age, and to the remote corners of the earth. May we be anxious to make them known to others. (Matthew Henry)
[13] Rom 10:12: The Gentiles stand on a level with the Jews, in justification and salvation. There is not one God to the Jews, more kind, and another to the Gentiles, who is less kind; the Lord is a Father to all men. The promise is the same to all, who call on the name of the Lord Jesus as the Son of God, as God manifest in the flesh. All believers thus call upon the Lord Jesus, and none else will do so humbly or sincerely. But how should any call on the Lord Jesus, the Divine Savior, who had not heard of him? And what is the life of a Christian but a life of prayer? It shows that we feel our dependence on him, and are ready to give up ourselves to him, and have a believing expectation of our all from him. It was necessary that the gospel should be preached to the Gentiles. Somebody must show them what they are to believe. How welcome the gospel ought to be to those to whom it was preached! The gospel is given, not only to be known and believed, but to be obeyed. It is not a system of notions, but a rule of practice. The beginning, progress, and strength of faith is by hearing. But it is only hearing the word, as the word of God that will strengthen faith. (Matthew Henry)
[14] Heb 2:14: Verses 14-18. The angels fell and remained without hope or help. Christ never designed to be the Savior of the fallen angels; therefore, he did not take their nature; and the nature of angels could not be an atoning sacrifice for the sin of man. Here is a price paid, enough for all, and suitable to all, for it was in our nature. Here the wonderful love of God appeared, that, when Christ knew what he must suffer in our nature, and how he must die in it, yet he readily took it upon him. And this atonement made way for his people's deliverance from Satan's bondage, and for the pardon of their sins through faith. Let those who dread death, and strive to get the better of their terrors, no longer attempt to outbrave or to stifle them, no longer grow careless or wicked through despair. Let them not expect help from the world, or human devices; but let them seek pardon, peace, grace, and a lively hope of heaven, by faith in Him who died and rose again, that thus they may rise above the fear of death. The remembrance of his own sorrows and temptations, makes Christ mindful of the trials of his people, and ready to help them. He is ready and willing to succor those who are tempted and seek him. He became man, and was tempted, that he might be every way qualified to succor his people, seeing that he had passed through the same temptations himself, but continued perfectly free from sin. Then let not the afflicted and tempted despond, or give place to Satan, as if temptations made it wrong for them to come to the Lord in prayer. Not soul ever perished under temptation, that cried unto the Lord from real alarm at its danger, with faith and expectation of relief. This is our duty upon our first being surprised by temptations, and would stop their progress, which is our wisdom. (Matthew Henry)
[15] Psa 32:8: Verses 8-11. God teaches by his word, and guides with the secret intimations of his will. David gives a word of caution to sinners. The reason for this caution is, that the way of sin will certainly end in sorrow. Here is a word of comfort to saints. They may see that a life of communion with God is far the most pleasant and comfortable. Let us rejoice, O Lord Jesus, in thee, and in thy salvation; so, shall we rejoice indeed. (Matthew Henry)
[16] John 15:1: Jesus Christ is the Vine, the true Vine. The union of the human and Divine natures, and the fulness of the Spirit that is in him, resemble the root of the vine made fruitful by the moisture from a rich soil. Believers are branches of this Vine. The root is unseen, and our life is hidden with Christ; the root bears the tree, diffuses sap to it, and in Christ are all supports and supplies. The branches of the vine are many, yet, meeting in the root, are all but one vine; thus, all true Christians, though in place and opinion distant from each other, meet in Christ. Believers, like the branches of the vine, are weak, and unable to stand but as they are borne up. The Father is the Husbandman. Never was any husbandman so wise, so watchful, about his vineyard, as God is about his church, which therefore must prosper. We must be fruitful. From a vine we look for grapes, and from a Christian we look for a Christian temper, disposition, and life. We must honor God and do good; this is bearing fruit. The unfruitful are taken away. And even fruitful branches need pruning; for the best have notions, passions, and humors, that require to be taken away, which Christ has promised to forward the sanctification of believers, they will be thankful, for them. The word of Christ is spoken to all believers; and there is a cleansing virtue in that word, as it works grace, and works out corruption. And the more fruit we bring forth, the more we abound in what is good, the more our Lord is glorified. In order to fruitfulness, we must abide in Christ, must have union with him by faith. It is the great concern of all Christ's disciples, constantly to keep up dependence upon Christ, and communion with him. True Christians find by experience, that any interruption in the exercise of their faith, causes holy affections to decline, their corruptions to revive, and their comforts to droop. Those who abide not in Christ, though they may flourish for a while in outward profession yet come to nothing. The fire is the fittest place for withered branches; they are good for nothing else. Let us seek to live more simply on the fulness of Christ, and to grow more fruitful in every good word and work, so may our joy in Him and in his salvation be full. (Matthew Henry)
