Dear Faith Family,
I believe we'd all say that knowing who God really is--his character, temperament, and tendencies--is important. I'd even dare to say that most of us would consider knowing who God really is as the most important thing since everything else we think and all we do springs from what we know of who God is and what he wants for and from us.
Peter sure considers such knowledge essential. He refers to it four times in the first eight verses. Each time this knowledge of who God really is, is the soil and sustenance from which a full and fruitful life emerges.
But here's what has been proven across human history: we have a hard time seeing clearly who God really is. Whether out of ignorance or arrogance, overcome by anxieties or overwhelmed by prosperity, whatever the reason, we humans (especially us religious humans) are especially good at getting God wrong! Not always and not in every way, but there is enough evidence in our Scriptures--as well as our own lives--that arguing the point is, well, pointless.
So what do we do then? Well, two things.
First, we regularly gather to break the bread and pour the wine(or juice in our case!). In doing so, we are reminded that what the writer of Hebrews sings is true, "Jesus is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature and he upholds the universe by the word of his power..." (1:3). The world we live in is governed, past-present-and-future upheld, by One who gives. He gives generously, joyously, sacrificially, wholly, and thoroughly so that we might have all that is his. Pretty amazing!
And while you'd think that is all that we need, a regular remembrance of God with us and for us in the life, death, and life again of Jesus--the fact is we need one more thing. We tell and retell the stories Jesus told about who God really is. We call these parables, and they get to the heart of our tendency to miss or misunderstand God.
Stories penetrate the defenses that arise when someone shares an argument or idea (whether familiar or aberrant). Through story, before we know it, we find ourselves immersed in the world of the author/teller and begin seeing things from their perspective. Perhaps that's why we have more of Jesus' stories than his sermons?
Regardless, getting to know who God really is, requires we remember Jesus' life and tell his stories. We'll have a chance to do the former on Sunday (and maybe in-between!), and I encourage you to do the latter through one of my favorite stories: The Gambler (Luke 16:1-8). This story, perhaps more than any other, helps me see that there is still room to grow in my knowledge of who God really is...and just how wonderful of a fact that is!
Love you, faith family! God bless.