DEVOTION/ God Is transparent

Political transparency

 Miriam Webster defines transparent as being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly. That word has seen greater use over the past several years, especially in politics where we hear that the next administration will be far more transparent than the previous. In other words they will be open with their thoughts, findings, and rulings. But as so often happens, the idea of transparency is merely a vote getter. It sounds good when campaigning, but carries little weight afterwards.  Words like genuine, authentic, and transparent are buzz words we’ve begun to take with little seriousness.

While many religions worship gods that are distant and removed from the daily cares and concerns of the people, our true God clearly reveals himself to everyone. He is indeed transparent in many ways, never hidden, removed, or untouchable.

 God reveals himself in his creation

 To know God means to marvel at his creation. Wherever we look we see signs of his greatness. Through the lens of a microscope or a telescope we see God’s hand in everything. God’s creation cries out to us, This is who I am. Romans 1:19,20 remind us, What may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen.

 God reveals himself to us through his Son

 To reveal himself further, he sent his Son to live among us. Jesus came as a newborn baby in Bethlehem. He lived a life filled with the same temptations, sorrows, pains, and problems that we have. And he died in our place to redeem us from the curse of death. God’s transparency can indeed be seen in his Son, Jesus Christ. John 1:18 tells us, No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

 God reveals himself to us in his Word

 God’s plan is never hidden or unclear. God’s transparency exposes his ways, thoughts, plans, and wishes in his Word. Sixty-six books are filled with revelations of who God is and what his plans are. There we can see his passions, his joy and sorrow, and the inmost depths of his heart. Jesus himself explained the purpose of Scripture, Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself (Luke 24:27). God wants all people to be saved, and he has gone through great lengths to make himself known. His is not hidden, instead he promises heaven to anyone who believes in him. What a loving, genuine, transparent, and authentic God we have!

by Reynold R. Kremer