Think You've Got God Figured Out?

At first I found the whole “end of the world” thing amusing. My initial reaction was, “Ha! The world is ending on Saturday. Yeah, sure.” It was a big joke, something new to laugh at for a few days.

Then it started to annoy me. How can anyone think they have it figured out when Jesus Himself said so clearly (in Matt. 24:36) that no one knows when it will be, not even the angels. Not even Him!

Does this guy think he knows more than Jesus?

I kept asking myself, “How can anyone think they have God figured out like that?” But then a second thought hit me. How often do I do the same thing? How often do I think and act like I’ve got God figured out?

How often do I act like I know better than Jesus?

And now, finally, God answered Job from the eye of a violent storm. He said: "Why do you confuse the issue? Why do you talk without knowing what you’re talking about? Pull yourself together, Job! Up on your feet! Stand tall! I have some questions for you, and I want some straight answers. Where were you when I created the earth? Tell me, since you know so much! Who decided on its size? Certainly you’ll know that! Who came up with the blueprints and measurements? How was its foundation poured, and who set the cornerstone, while the morning stars sang in chorus and all the angels shouted praise…” 

(Job 38, The Message)

I think the times when I am closest to God and understand Him the best are the times when I am keenly aware of His vastness, my smallness, and my inability to comprehend Him.

Like when I look up from an open field at the stars on a clear dark night.

Or when I stand on the beach and look out at the horizon with the waves just touching my feet.

Or when I am alone and quiet in the woods on a beautiful day with the sun shining through the trees down on my face.

That is when I know God best, not when I think I’ve got Him figured out.

And as far as the end of the world goes? God says it’s coming, He just doesn’t tell us when, because that’s not what’s important. What is important is living every minute, every day, and every week like it’s going to happen on Saturday.