Oftentimes, it is easier to talk of God than to know God. To know of and about him, than to know him. We must be rid of the temptation to understand God as a concept rather than a person whom we may know and walk with. RC Sproul elaborates, “I think, to remember that the Bible is not just a book of facts. It’s not just a book of doctrines. It’s the means God has given to us, the means through which He speaks to us, to bring us into communion and fellowship with Himself.”

Now, let us confront the original question proposed by this series: “how should we respond to a God who would, at such an insurmountable cost, manifest His name to us?” Do you: carry on about your day, for more “pressing matters” seem to draw your attention away? Do you shrink away from the light in shame? Maybe, you are led to worship or inclined to commune with Him in prayer. Or perhaps, you are actually caught off guard by this surprising invitation. Then allured. Desire is gently fanned to a glowing flare and fueled. Hesitantly you draw near. 

Psalm 119 says that the Word of God is “a lamp to your feet and a light to your path” (Ps. 119:105). We can draw near to know the Living God through His Living Word. In His illuminating Word, we are instructed to cry out as God’s people: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law” (Ps. 119:18). “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me (Ps. 25:4-5). “Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things, and give me life in your ways” (Ps. 119:36-37). “I will run in the way of your commands when you enlarge my heart!” (Ps. 119:32).

Notice the psalmist’s complete dependence upon God to achieve these requests in his heart and life. Amazingly, we are invited to approach the one true God who delights to “teach sinners His ways” (Psalm 26:8-9). If you, like me, are a sinner — then we qualify! Christ Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). 

Pray that God would show you these things in his word by His Holy Spirit, actively at work within you if you have been born of God (1 John 5:18). Take the step of becoming acquainted with His name. Acquainted with… His Son. It was He who loved first, spoke first, and made himself known. He presently welcomes us to draw near.