 |
Grounded-In-Biblical-Truth | |
Sovereign Grace Doctrines
Concerning 'THE GOSPEL' - JESUS CHRIST
CHRIST AS “THE-GOD-WHO-SEES”
GENESIS 16:13
GOOD NEWS FROM THE REDEEMER
DANIEL E. PARKS, PASTOR
MAY 22, 1999 - RADIO MESSAGE #268
Hagar, the maidservant of Sarah, wife of Abraham the patriarch of the Christian faith (c.2000 BC), fled from her mistress upon incurring her displeasure (Genesis 16). She was met on her way by the Angel of Jehovah. He informed her that God was witness to her affliction, and promised her that she would bear a son, and encouraged her to return to her mistress.
This Angel of Jehovah was the preincarnate Christ (see message #267). Hagar recognized His deity -- as “the LORD [i.e. Jehovah] who spoke to her” -- and acknowledged Him by the Hebrew name El Roi, “You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees” (v.13).
Christ is indeed the eternally omnipresent and omniscient “The-God-Who-Sees.” He is Jehovah the Son, and “The eyes of [Jehovah] are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). “For the ways of man are before the eyes of [Jehovah], and He ponders all his paths” (Proverbs 5:21).
Holy Scriptures have many proofs of this truth. For example, when Christ created the universe (Genesis 1:1ff; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16), He “saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:31, et. al. throughout this chapter). He later, with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit, beheld the fall of Adam (Genesis 3:22-24) and the rebellion at Babel (Genesis 11:5-9). Even during the days of His incarnation on earth (when He “became flesh and dwelt among us” [John 1:14]), He was “the Son of man who is in heaven” -- beholding all that is there (John 3:13). And during His incarnation He could watch a man who was too far away to be seen with the physical eye, and in a way in which only God is capable (John 1:47-49). Christ is indeed “The-God-Who-Sees”!
Here is good news for the saints. “The eyes of [Jehovah] are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry” (Psalm 34:15; 1 Peter 3:12). “For the eyes of [Jehovah] run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). Christ therefore assures His saints “I know your works, your labor, your patience, ... tribulation, and poverty ..., ... love, service, faith” (Revelation 2:2,9,13,19; 3:1,8,15) -- because He has seen them all.
This is a sweet consolation to saints when they are faithful. i. Christ sees them when they withstand evil men and test preachers, and grants to them powers of discernment (Revelation 2:2). ii. He sees them when they labor and persevere for Him, and grants to them strength (Revelation 2:3). iii. He sees them when they are persecuted by the wicked, and promises to them the crown of life (Revelation 2:10). iv. He sees them when they are diligent to keep their garments clean, and rewards them for their worthiness (Revelation 3:4).
But this is a stern rebuke to saints when they are unfaithful. Christ sees them: i. when their love has waned (Revelation 2:4); ii. when they tolerate false doctrine (Revelation 2:14f); iii. when they tolerate sexual immorality (Revelation 2:20-23); iv. when they become weak in good works (Revelation 3:3); v. when they become lukewarm toward Him (Revelation 3:15f); vi. and when they boast of worldly wealth (Revelation 3:17). And He chastises them accordingly. However, He also sees them when they pray (Acts 9:11) and forgives all who repent (Revelation 2:5,16,21,22; 3:3,19).
Here is a warning for the ungodly. Christ beholds them in their ungodliness, and “The face of [Jehovah] is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth” (Psalm 34:16; note that this verse immediately follows that which expressed good news to the saints). He will judge them in the last day (John 5:22; Acts 17:31) at the “judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). And He will judge them for every deed they ever performed, every word they ever uttered, and for even every thought they ever imagined -- for He has seen them all (Ecclesiastes 12:14): “For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing” (cp. 11:9; Matthew 12:36; Romans 2:16; 1 Corinthians 4:5). The saints will be received into glory, but the ungodly will be consigned to eternal damnation (Matthew 24:31-46; Revelation 20:11-15).
Your servant for Jesus' sake.
Address all questions to pastor
Daniel E. Parks (2 Corinthians 4:5) e-mail RedeemerBC@aol.com
Pastor, Redeemer Baptist Church
2801 Cleveland Boulevard, Louisville, KY 40206 / 502.899-9205
|
|
|
|
|