2020 Daily Devotion - Day 76

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In theology, we say that God reveals Himself in two ways - through “General Revelation” and “Specific Revelation”.  God reveals Himself in general ways, primarily through creation. When you are in a place like Maui, Hawaii, and you watch the sun setting on the ocean, it is a powerful reminder of just how almighty God really is. This is why many people say they don’t need to go to church to worship God. They can worship Him in the forest on a camping trip. But do they really? Is this what they are really doing? The problem with “General Revelation” is sometimes it creates some serious questions. So, for example if there is a hurricane, and the mighty storm destroys the coast; does it mean God is angry and taking it out on us?

This is why “Specific Revelation” is not only very important, but vital in our understanding the nature of God. In “Specific Revelation”, God became a man in Jesus, died on a cross and was raised again; so we might be forgiven, receive eternal life and be restored. It is through the Cross of Jesus where we begin to understand exactly who God is and understand He wants to rescue us. This is why we need to be in church; to hear the Gospel proclaimed. You won’t hear this at the beach or in the forest. But you will hear it in church week after week. You will hear of a God who loves you so much, He came Himself to save you.

This is what the Apostle Paul is saying in I Corinthians 1:18; the only way to understand God is to know Him through His cross.

1 Corinthians 1:18 RSV
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, You have made Yourself known to us in a myriad of ways. However, the chief manner in which You reveal Yourself is through the Cross of Jesus. For through the Cross, we are able to understand You have come into the world to save us and to rescue us. Point us this day to Your Cross. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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