Knowing the Architect

Growing Daily

My best friend in college lived in a house designed by world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Hanging out at his place was like being in a museum exhibit. There was a constant stream of strangers out on the sidewalk taking pictures, and large tour groups would stare at us as we walked in and out.

Those visitors studied Wright and recognized his distinctive style. They admired his vision and creativity. But knowing an architect's work isn't the same thing as knowing the architect.

Psalm 103:7 describes a similar distinction about God: “He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.”

The Israelites witnessed God's deeds firsthand. They walked through the Red Sea and experienced miracle after miracle. They knew God’s power.

But Moses experienced something much deeper. Remarkably, Exodus 33:11 tells us, “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” While the nation watched God's miracles, Moses spent time in God's presence. He came to know not just God's power, but His character.

It's possible to spend a lifetime studying someone's work without ever really knowing the person behind it. The same can be true spiritually. Even after years of following Christ, we can become so familiar with God's works that we stop seeking His presence.

Today, don't settle for being a spectator in the tour group. Spend time with God and come to know who He is.

- Ron Reid