This week we continue the series “Behold Our God,” exploring what it means that God Knows All. Another word for this quality is omniscience, which, according to Merriam-Webster, means having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight, or possessing universal or complete knowledge.
Let’s consider the below passage:
“Does he who fashioned the ear not hear?
Does he who formed the eye not see?
Does he who disciplines nations not punish?
Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge?
The Lord knows all human plans;
he knows that they are futile.”
Psalm 94:9-11
Throughout this study, we have been reminded that “God is God, and we are not. And this is a good thing.” Similarly, God knows all and we do not. And this is a good thing, too!
What would it be like to know everything? Think about it. You would not wonder or question or even have to learn anything. You would never use Google. Ever. You could ace the SAT, get every question right on Jeopardy, and know how to cure cancer. You would know our planet to the smallest molecule and the universe to the farthest galaxy. You would know each episode of human history and every event yet to come. Sounds pretty amazing, right? But you would also know details of wars, atrocities, disasters, and all evil committed and tolerated by humans. Complete knowledge doesn’t seem quite as appealing after all. Because we are not God, we cannot handle all this information. Our sinful hearts would lead us to pride or corruption or despair—or all of the above.
As you consider all that God knows, think of some things you are curious about. What do you wonder about? Think back to creation and think forward to the end of the world. Contemplate the sights and sounds around you. God invites our questions to help us know Him and trust Him more.
“This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’”
Jeremiah 33:2-3
As God gives us a greater understanding of His infinite awareness and complete knowledge, we can give Him the glory and praise He is due!
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
“Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
“Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?”
For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.”
Romans 11:33-36
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- What questions do you have for God?
- What do you wish you knew?
- What things are you glad you don’t know?
- How is the fact that God knows all and we do not a good thing?
Church Reading Plan: Jeremiah 18; Mark 4