Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
How many times have you read a verse, chapter, and book in the Bible for the second, third, tenth, or hundredth time and found a fresh breeze from God blowing over yourself? God’s Word is living and active. Scripture brings newness, understanding, and life to the soul. God, by the Holy Spirit, ignites within us freedom, wholeness, affection, and wonder as we read, meditate, and contemplate the Word of God.
When have you experienced God’s Word bringing life to your soul? In what ways can you welcome the wind of God blowing into your journey with Him?
Last week I finished reading through the book of Ezekiel in the Bible. While this inspired book contains striking narratives of the power of God, one day as I read I began to underline the word, “measure.” There was a stirring within me as I marked each time the word appeared. I found myself surprised that “measure” occurred 43 times in the final eight chapters. Hmm…I found myself curious about that. In this context, the hand of the Lord fell upon Ezekiel and gave him precise instructions concerning the rebuilding of the temple. Ezekiel measured and recorded precisely as the Lord revealed to him the details of the temple which would be filled with the glory of God. Ezekiel measured with exactness as instructed by God.
Precise – Marked by exactness and accuracy of expression or detail. The quality, condition, or fact of being exact and accurate
Then, the Spirit moved within me and I wrote in the margin of my Bible – God is Precise! I began to wonder about this characteristic of God. I don’t know why, but I never thought of God’s character as precise. Nevertheless, God began to bring to my mind examples and Scriptures in which He acted precisely.
The precision of God caused me to pause and consider some of the ways God’s accuracy arises in Scripture. With the creation account, God details His creative and exact power. God’s precision with the placement of the solar system, the boundaries of the oceans, and the efficiency of ecosystem of all living things declares the meticulous nature of God. Humankind lives each day under the ordained purpose and plan of God. He alone determines the number of one’s days, the hairs on one’s head, and the birthplace of one’s life.
Throughout the Old Testament, God gives precise details regarding Israel’s interaction with Himself and through the New Testament, Jesus Christ becomes the remedy for humanity’s separation from God; becoming the Savior of the world. God does what He says and fulfills His desires and plans with precision.
What other examples from the Bible come to mind as you consider the precise nature of God?
As I contemplate this precise reality of God, I discover myself sinking into the love, security, and safety of God. All through Scripture, God reveals Himself as precise. This feels like an “aha” to my soul. Precision matters to God. If God is precise about the measurements of the temple as well as all these other examples in the Bible, He is equally precise about my life and yours.
Many experiences in the world today feel unsettling: infertility, homelessness, financial burdens, physical ailments, interpersonal tension, political woes, confusion, isolation, stress, and trauma. Because of the brokenness of humankind and the impact of sin, life feels hard. And, yet, we must recall the precise character of God.
In faith, we must choose to believe God continues to “measure” with exactness the activity in the world today.
In faith, we must trust that God remains committed to every detail, of every life.
In faith, we must pursue God, resting in the knowledge of His precise presence and perfect peace in all of life.
In faith, we must harness the doubts and fears within us and surrender them to God’s care and attention.
In faith, we must love others with the love God so graciously and generously extends to each of us.
In faith, we must hope in “The God of All Hope” with confidence; His exact nature and careful character never fails.
In faith, we must believe in the goodness of God, even when life unravels and feels burdensome.
In faith, we must rest in the sovereignty of God because He demonstrates Himself to be faithful and true.
Living by faith does not mean we dismiss the difficulties of life. When we embrace God in the midst of life’s hardships, believing that He is precise, we live by faith. God’s loving presence remains alive and attentive to us, at all times, in all ways. That’s the truth! God is precise!
This week – – –
Read Ezekiel 37 – Pay attention to the precision of God in this chapter. Wonder about God’s Spirit within you. In what ways do you experience being alive in the Lord?
Reflect on Hebrews 11-12:3 – Notice the ways others lived by faith with our precise God. How do these examples spur you on in your journey of faith in God? In what ways does Jesus example in Hebrews 12:1-3 strengthen and fortify you?
Share this week. Look for the precision of God in world around you. In His love, God is exact, purposeful, specific, and present with you.
Enjoy the living and active Word of God – Look for “Aha’s” with our Precise God!
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Hebrews 12:1-3 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Ezekiel 40:2-4 – In visions of God he took me to the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain, on whose south side were some buildings that looked like a city. He took me there, and I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze; he was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand. The man said to me, “Son of man, look carefully and listen closely and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Tell the people of Israel everything you see.”
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Randy Alcorn. hand in Hand: The Beauty of God’s Sovereignty and Meaningful Human Choice.. Sisters, OR, 2014.
R.C. Sproul Jr.. Almighty over All. Grand Rapids, MI, 1999.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Brandon Lake. Count Em. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvEkpUaSdIA
Terrian. Big God. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jft6MfWN6k
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
September 13 – Breathe Retreat, Littleton, CO.
September 19 – Ruth Israel – Zoom Training – Spiritual direction for those living in war-torn countries.