~~~ I AM - Jehovah ~~~
From A Voice In The Wilderness
(Originally written in 2000)
And now God defines Himself. What, specifically, distinguishes Jehovah [I exist] from all other so-called deities? If you were to be limited to 'one thing' by which to describe the Most High, what would it be?
"..declaring the end from the beginning, and from the past those things which were not done, saying, My counsel shall rise; and, I will do all My desire..." (vs10)
You see, this is God's name. Jehovah is "the existing One". "I AM" is not past tense, "I was". Nor is it future tense, "I will be". It's not really present tense, either. He surpasses all notion of "time". In God's economy, "one day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." (2Pet3:8, Ps90:4)
God is not like the currently running USWest "411" commercial, poking fun of the psychics who would claim to know your future, but can't figure out their own phone number. God does not scrunch up His face, squint real hard, putting His finger up to His head and 'hedge' as to what the future 'might' be. He "-DECLARES-" the end from the beginning. (vs10)
The best Nostradamus and others who claim prophetic powers can attain is something like 70% accuracy. God said to Israel that -any- inaccuracy in prophecy was demonic. (Deu18:22) They are false prophets.
But to Israel, prophecy was one of God's ways of proving Himself to them. "Is the hand of Jehovah shortened? Now you shall see whether My word shall come to pass to you or not." (Num11:23) And notice, once they were established into the land of promise, "Nor did fail a word from any good word which Jehovah had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass." (Josh21:45) And as Solomon dedicates the new temple, he recalls, "Blessed be Jehovah who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He has spoken; not one word of all His good word has fallen, which He spoke by the hand of His servant Moses." (1Kg8:56) Jehovah is 100%.
When God purposes, He calls on all His creation to fulfill it; even to "calling a bird of prey from the east" (vs11) or even a ruthless heathen king, e.g. Nebuchadnezzar, whom God called, "My servant..." (Jer25:9) in order to accomplish His promised punishment of Israel for their rebellion.
But notice, as God defines Himself, He also pleads, "Listen to Me, mighty ones of heart who are far from righteousness: I bring near My righteousness; it shall not be far off, and My salvation shall not wait; I will place salvation in Zion, My glory for Israel." (vs12-13)
The hard-hearted ones may rebel, but God's purpose for Israel will also stand. He will bring restoration to her.
So, of what good is it to us to know that God knows the end from the beginning? After all, this series began with the premise of considering Jehovah's "existence" in relationship to humanity. Unregenerate man is continually exploring, looking for man's "origins". When he doesn't believe in God, that's all he can do, is -continue- to look. He wants to know where he came from, and what is his destiny.
Knowing God's nature, the Believer can derive comfort. Mankind worries about making a living, being comfortable and in good health. Even though he doesn't understand his destiny, he wants to live as long as possible to enjoy that which he presently has.
Jesus exhorted, "Do not be anxious for your soul..." (Mt6:25) for all the things a person thinks they need to live a contended life. Look how God cares for the animals of nature, who have no 'plan' of wealth and health. They simply live from day to day, living on what God provides for them. "Do you not rather excel them?" (vs26)
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