Have you ever tried to figure out what someone was like? Not in physical appearance, of course – but who they are, or what sort of character is within them? Several years ago, I talked about one of my good friends from college, and my sister’s ears perked up. She asked various questions, such as ‘How tall is he,’ or ‘What color is his hair?’ And then she turned to my wife-then-girlfriend and asked, “Ok, what is he really like?’ She wanted to know what kind of person he was! Appearances were important, but the personal attrib...
Have you ever tried to figure out what someone was like? Not in physical appearance, of course – but who they are, or what sort of character is within them? Several years ago, I talked about one of my good friends from college, and my sister’s ears perked up. She asked various questions, such as ‘How tall is he,’ or ‘What color is his hair?’ And then she turned to my wife-then-girlfriend and asked, “Ok, what is he really like?’ She wanted to know what kind of person he was! Appearances were important, but the personal attributes, a sense of humor, kindness, and value system truly defined the person. We are all like that – after we get past the obvious physical characteristics, we always ask, “What are they really like?”
In some ways, that is the way we might think about God.
We hear stories of his power, creative abilities, and such, but what we really want to know is the same as when we talk about other people:
“What is He really like?”
That is a fair question. We talk and think of God’s power and greatness and hear stories and sermons, but we always ask, “What is He really like?” There is a way to know! As we read the scriptures, we see patterns in God’s behavior and how He often responds to sinful man. This is especially true in the Old Testament!
Here are a couple of things we can learn about God’s character and what he is ‘really like’ as we read the Old Testament scriptures:
First, we can learn that God is patient and loving and makes a real effort to offer forgiveness and guidance to us all. In the book of Exodus, as the drama of Moses receiving the 10 Commandments from God began to unfold, God spoke and said this of himself: “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth. . . who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. . ..” 34:6-7 Here God spoke as he appeared to Moses, and taught the young man about his character.
God reveals himself as kind and loving, willing to forgive, and one who values justice and the punishment of evil. That is what God is like! He is loving and fair, giving us opportunities for growth and repentance. Still, he also values truth and justice, punishing evil when needed!
Another truth revealed about God in the Old Testament is that God will provide for his people, and he has a plan for them well into the future. After explaining to them that he had plans for them, this is how he finished a section out of Deuteronomy 8: “For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing forth in valleys and hills. . .When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you.” vv.7-10
This is what God is really like! He is kind and forgiving and works for justice, and he works and plans to care for us far into the future. He is a good and loving God!
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