Fall
1995
The Power of Truth
GW
Excerpt from "Tent to Temple"
by George Warnock
There is always a danger that some of God's people will want
to acquire the knowledge of what God is doing, while at the
same time, they may have no particular desire to walk in that
light.
Let us understand that "knowledge" in itself is
only vital and meaningful if it affords us a glimpse of God's
desire for our lives, and if we intend to pursue this in a
walk of total obedience to His will. Otherwise, it will only
amount to a knowledge that "puffeth up" without
edifying.
Truth runs deep in its flow and is complex in its structure;
but it is by no means complicated. Many would excuse themselves
for not getting too deeply involved in Truth by saying, "It
is just too deep for me." But neither knowledge nor intelligence
is a prerequisite for an appreciation of the deeper things
of God.
A fish is not considered to be very intelligent, but it appreciates
"depth" simply because it has a nature that longs
for it. And because God has given fish the capacity to enjoy
depth, He has provided rivers, lakes, and oceans, to fulfill
this inherent longing.
Human wisdom and understanding, far from being a qualification
for a true knowledge of God, can be very detrimental to us
if that longing after Himself is not there. Jesus said on
one occasion, "I thank thee O Father, Lord of heaven
and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise
and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes" Matt
11:25.
Unlike the fish, we are made in the image of God, with a
spirit which is capable of "God consciousness" and
"Divine fellowship." And though this image was defaced
by the fall, it has been restored in Redemption. We may grow
into it as we choose the pathway of obedience unto the will
of God. As we simply walk in this pathway, that longing and
yearning after God will increase, and there will be an ever
increasing unfolding of His will, and an ever expanding revelation
of His Glory.
Some would deny us this greater revelation by admonishing
us that God never changes, that Jesus Christ is forever the
same; and therefore we ought not to expect an unfolding revelation.
But this argument overlooks the fact that WE are the ones
who need to be changed, not God; and if we truly seek to do
His will, there will grow within us a cry and a yearning to
be changed "from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit
of the Lord" (2 Cor 3:18b).
By "unfolding revelation" we mean the sprouting
of the seed in the soil of the human heart until that seed
springs forth as the blade, then the ear, and after that the
full corn in the ear. It is constant growth in the realm of
the Spirit, until we are able to "comprehend with all
saints, what is the length and the breadth and the height
and the depth ... and to KNOW the love of Christ which passeth
Knowledge ... until we are filled unto all the fullness of
God."
It is entering into and appropriating the inheritance which
God has already given us, but which we have never possessed
in any degree of fullness. It is a laying hold upon and apprehending
that very thing for which God hath laid hold upon, and apprehended
us!
Too long have we been content with beholding the "back
parts" of God, seeing Him from behind, rejoicing in the
glory we have known in past years (see Exodus 33:22,23). We
thank Him for every occasion on which He has visited His people
and left an imprint of His visitation upon our lives. But
we must see Him face to Face, if we are truly going to be
changed.
When God reminds us, "There shall no man see Me and
live," let us not take this as a rebuke, but as a challenge.
And may we be quick to reply: Lord, shew me Thy face, that
I might die ... that henceforth I might testify with the apostle,
"It is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me."
Only then will our hearts be satisfied. Only then will His
heart be satisfied.
This progressive revelation of Himself must continue until
the "eternal purpose" is fully consummated in the
people whom He has created for His own Glory.
(This book, "From Tent to Temple" by George Warnock
can be ordered from the Pinecrest Bookstore. Price $x.xx plus
$X.xx for postage and mailing).