The Character of God

Have you ever gone on a long road trip? As you drove, did you notice historical markers along the way indicating past people and events? Admittedly, I generally drive past most of those historical markers. Once in a while, however, I will stop to read and consider the information that is provided.

As you study the Bible, it is much like a long journey. Along the way, there are many biographical markers of God. As you come upon those indications of God’s character, it is well worth your while to stop and meditate upon the nature of our God. Here are two such markers for your consideration:

1) James 1:17 —Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

In a world that is constantly changing—where the human moral compass is spinning like a propeller—there is a haven of stability and solid footing with God. His plan of salvation was established prior to the foundation of the world (Eph 3:11); His Word is constant and enduring (Jude 3, I Pet 1:23); His love is unfailing (Rom 8:31-39); His promises are sure (II Cor 1: 20). The song writer, Jennie Bain Wilson, captured this attribute of God in the following lyrics:

“Time is filled with swift transition — naught of earth unmoved can stand. Build your hopes on things eternal. Hold to God’s unchanging hand.”

Should it be that you are troubled by shifting sands of life, be assured that with God there is “no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” There is no other foundation that is surer than God and His Word.

2) II Peter 3:9 —The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

There is a notable hymn about God’s amazing grace. Equally amazing is God’s patience and restraint. Consider His longsuffering with the nation of Israel recorded throughout the Old Testament. Time and time again, He sought fellowship with Israel by sending prophets to turn them from idolatry and corruption.

Similarly, God desires that all men and women today have fellowship with Him. “Even when we were dead in trespasses, [God] made us alive together with Christ …” (Eph 2:5). God’s longsuffering nature affords the opportunity to be alive spiritually, to be in a right relationship with Him.

Should it be that you are struggling with sin in your life, God has afforded you a Savior and God has afforded you today to repent.

I encourage all of us, as we study our Bibles, that we take note of the character of the God we serve. There are many attributes of God for which we are blessed. He truly is “an awesome God.”