In his omnipotence, God is all-powerful. In his omniscience, God is all-knowing. This week, in studying at the attributes of God, we will look at his omnipresence—God is everywhere
In speaking to the Israelites, as they came out of the wilderness and prepared to cross into the promised land, Moses said to them, “Know therefore today, and lay it to heart, that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath,” Deuteronomy 4:29. Solomon, in dedicating the house of God, the temple in Jerusalem, exclaimed, “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built,” (1 Kings 8:27). Both men, hundreds of years apart from one another, proclaim the fullness of God—and how God fills heaven above and earth beneath.
We looked at Psalm 139 as it relates to God’s omniscience, but now, look at what David says about God’s omnipresence, Psalm 139:7-8: “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!” In Proverbs 15:3, Solomon says, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” To the prophet Jeremiah, God said, “Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord,” (Jeremiah 23:23-24).
Now, let’s realize the application: God’s omnipresence means his constant, immediate aid (Psalm 46:1) to the Christian living to and for the glory of God. Paul told the Greeks in Athens that God is “not far from each one of us,” (Acts 17:27). Twice, the Corinthians were reminded that God’s Spirit was dwelling in them; each of them, individually (1 Corinthians 3:16 and 1 Corinthians 6:19). The Bible says that the Holy Spirit is the seal of God’s redeeming work in our lives (Ephesians 1:13-14) and is our sanctification, cleansing us from sin (1 Peter 1:2). Only a God who is everywhere present could perform this work in his people.
Perhaps the most comforting words of all, regarding God’s omnipresence, come from Christ himself: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) With us, always!
Go Deeper:
Spend time praising God for his ever-present, all-sustaining power.
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)