Not Knowing God

Have you ever had a 'friend' boast about knowing you, but then they said something that was not descriptive of you at all?

How did that make you feel?
Not a true friend...right?

They know you, at least to some degree, but they do not really 'know' you. You might say that they just know about you.

Many people claim to know God. Yet, they say things about God that do not accurately portray God as He is described in Scripture. Or, they do things that stand in contrast of His divine character of love and holiness. It is not that you are being judgmental, you just recognize that they really do not know God.
The ancient Israelites were once in a similar situation...and God became angry, very angry.

They cry out to Me, "My God, we of Israel know You!"
--Hosea 8:2 (NASB95)

The problem with their claim; actions speak louder than words. They knew something 'about' God and His instruction in the Law of Moses. So, they offered sacrifices to God. But, would you believe that they also worshiped other gods!?

The Book of Hosea was a prophetic warning to the people of Israel. God was about to take action against his own people, the chosen nation of Israel. God was ready for them to 'return to Egypt,' that is, become captives again to a foreign power.

So, how is it that they knew 'about' God, but they did not 'know' God?

Hosea answers:

The people love to offer sacrifices to me, feasting on the meat, but I do not accept their sacrifices. I will hold my people accountable for their sins, and I will punish them. They will return to Egypt. Israel has forgotten its Maker and built great palaces....
--Hosea 8:13–14 (NLT)

The core problem: They had forgotten their Maker. It was not that they had forgotten the 'facts' about God. Rather, they no longer regarded God as Creator. They had lost their awe and reverence for God. They were thinking along the lines of "God AND...." In other words, they were happy to offer sacrifices in worship to the God of their forefathers. Yet, they also decided to place others things (gods) on an equal plane as God their Creator; God AND other gods. Yet, the Creator is God alone!

Known, but not known!

"In the beginning God...created...."

With God as the focal point man finds meaning only in the context of God as his Creator. In your life, do you really 'know' God?

To find meaning and understanding in life you must begin with God. However, to truly know God, you must also bow to Him, and Him only, as your Creator.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
--Proverbs 9:10

Mark Stinnett