August 19

Nehemiah 10:1-11:19
Psalm 101:1-8
Proverbs 20:19-21
Romans 11:11-36

A Lost Art
For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?
—Romans 11:34

A subject which is of great interest to many today is anthropology: the study of man. Although this subject is of great importance, for a Christian there is something far more important: the study of God. The great preacher C. H. Spurgeon said: “The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy that can ever engage the attention of a child of God is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings, and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father.”

The contemplation of God seems to be a lost art today. We appear to be more concerned about subjects such as church growth, the end times, signs, wonders, and miracles. I am not suggesting these issues are unimportant, but they must not be allowed to replace the supremely important matter of the constant, earnest, and continued investigation of the great subject of the Deity. The more we know of God, the more effective will be our lives here on earth. Those who have given themselves to the study of God tell us that it humbles the mind, expands the soul, and consoles the heart.

It humbles the mind. When our minds grapple with other subjects, we feel a degree of self-content and come away thinking: “Behold, I am wise.” But when our minds engage with thoughts of God, we discover that there is no plumb line that can sound His depth, and we come away thinking: “Behold, I know nothing.” In an age that stresses the supremacy of the human ego, it is no bad thing to learn that there is something far greater.

Prayer
Gracious and loving heavenly Father, teach me how to focus on You and contemplate You so that all vanity and pride dies within me, and I go on my way no longer caught up with how wise I am but how wonderful You are. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Further Study
Isa 40:18-26; Jb 11:7-9
What probing question does Isaiah ask?
What conclusion had Zophar come to?

Every Day with Jesus Daily Bible – August 19