This chapter, A Knowledge of God, is a compliment ofchapter 1.  In both chapters Ellen emphasizes both the lessons learnedabout God through nature and the Bible.  She states that “The Poet andthe naturalist have many things to say about nature, but it is theChristian who enjoys the beauty of the earth with the highestappreciation, because he recognizes his Father’s handiwork andperceives His love in flower and shrub and tree” (88-89 YouthEdition).  Like I always say, if you don’t have faith in God, you needto go get some.  While I believe that faith is actually a gift fromGod, I believe that He supplies things in our lives that assist us onthe journey to build our faith.  If you are wrestling with faith, Iwould challenge you to consider taking some time to go sit out innature somewhere.  I am not a transcendentalist, but I do believe, as Ellen insinuates, that God can speak to us through the things that He has created. 

What I really valued most from this chapter was the emphasis on studying the Word to get to know Jesus better.  Listen to this:

Jesus said of the Old-Testament Scriptures,--and howmuch more is it true of the New,--"They are they which testify of me,”the Redeemer, him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered.  Yes,the whole Bible tells of Christ.  From the first record ofcreation,--"for without him was not anything made that was made,"*--tothe closing promise, “Behold, I come quickly,” we are reading of hisworks and listening to his voice.  If you would become acquainted withthe Saviour, study the Holy Scriptures.

Fill the whole heart with the words of God.  They are the livingwater, quenching your burning thirst.  They are the living bread fromheaven.  Jesus declares, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man,and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” And he explains himselfby saying, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and theyare life.” Our bodies are built up from what we eat and drink; and asin the natural economy, so in the spiritual economy: it is what wemeditate upon that will give tone and strength to our spiritual nature.

Imagine what your life may look like if you were regularly, dailydigging into the Word of God, especially focusing on the life andteachings of Jesus.  I hear it all the time of how boring or confusingthe Bible is, but Ellen is quick to state that “The Bible… was designedfor the common people.” Could it be that Satan wants you to think ofthe Bible in such terms?  Have you tried reading the Gospel accordingto John lately?  If not, would you consider joining me in thechallenge?  If you email me, I will commit to reading all 21 chapterswith you.  The bottom line is that I am ready to get real with Jesus! To grow in a knowledge of God, which is what this chapter is all about.

Simply put, if you are desiring a knowledge of God, there are twogreat places to start: 1) In creation; and 2) In His divinely inspiredWord!  Whether in nature on in the Word, pray to God that He would giveyou the Spirit to guide you into all truth!  After all, “The Spirit oftruth is the only effectual teacher of diving truth.” Go to Him now onyour steps to Jesus! 

Blessings,

Matthew