The Pleasure of God

“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” - 1 Timothy 2:3-4

It is amazing that God wants all people to know the truth and be saved. After all, mankind has never been easy to love, have we? Adam and Eve disobeyed the only command God gave them, and when questioned, shirked responsibility for their actions. After the flood in Noah’s time, God gave instructions to multiply and fill the earth. But instead, over time the people built a tower for themselves and made plans to stay together. When God made an incredible promise to Abraham and Sarah, they grew tired of waiting on Him to fulfill it so they took matters into their own hands. And what a mess they made!

When God, after 400 years of slavery in Egypt, delivered the Israelites, they complained and said they’d rather be slaves than trust God…even after God sent the plagues, parted the Red Sea, brought water from a rock, and rained food down from heaven to fill their hungry bellies. When Moses went up the mountain to meet with God, before he could even return, the people had made idols to worship. And when they finally reached the land God promised them, the spies lied about what they saw to avoid entering it. After 40 more years of wandering in the wilderness they finally entered the land. But their obedience and faith was short-lived. It wasn’t long before they begged for an earthly king to follow “like everyone else.” Eventually the nation split into two kingdoms; and God grew so angry at their sin that he allowed both to be taken captive by their enemies and scattered throughout the earth.

And things are no better today. Throughout history people have rebelled, disobeyed and refused to trust God. Romans 1:18 calls it “suppressing the truth of God.” And yet, 1 Timothy 2:4 assures us that God still desires for all men to be saved, coming to a knowledge of the truth.

It is important to understand that the truth is not a concept or a set of beliefs. The truth is a person. In His own words (John 14:6) Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” The truth we must grab hold of is Jesus. Knowing Him brings salvation. And this is God’s desire. This is what pleases Him…that His Son be embraced, known and glorified throughout the earth.

Father, I know I have rejected and run from You so many times. And yet You continue to love me. I want to know You more…to know and trust Jesus more. Thank You for never giving up on me. Help me to believe that You are all I need. 

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.