Reflections on Knowing God Part 2

Discovering God’s Character Through Relationship and Service

I vividly remember the first time I picked up J.I. Packer’s classic work, “Knowing God”. It was a season of profound searching. I had just begun to earnestly pursue an understanding of who God is. This remarkable book became a guidepost. It served as a light illuminating foundational truths about God. These truths have shaped my faith and perspective ever since. Its rich theological depth and clarity have taught me about God’s character. They have also revealed the extraordinary ways we are invited to relate to Him.

The Essence of Knowing God

Truly knowing someone requires time. It also requires intention and participation in that person’s world. This truth struck me deeply while reading Packer’s work. This principle is no less vital in our relationship with God. Knowing Him means immersing oneself in His presence. It is not about observing from a distance but engaging relationally. Packer’s words resonate deeply. They remind me that the Christian journey is not merely an intellectual pursuit. It is a dynamic interaction with the living God.

Through this book, I began to understand that knowing God involves more than affirming theological truths. It requires experience, interaction, and transformation. It is a call to walk with God. It is a call to listen to Him. It is an invitation to allow His Spirit to reshape our hearts. Packer invites readers to move beyond knowledge about God. He encourages a lived communion with Him. This journey is both humbling and exhilarating.

Encountering God Among the Vulnerable

One of the most profound lessons I have learned is that God is present among the vulnerable. He actively seeks their good. He is not a distant deity. He is not removed from the struggles of humanity. Instead, He is a God of compassion whose heart is for the marginalized and oppressed. Packer’s insights reminded me of aligning with God’s heart. When we participate in His work of caring for others, we not only serve. We also come to know Him more deeply.

In moments of service, I have joined God in His mission to uplift and heal. I have encountered His character firsthand. His justice, mercy, and love are revealed in acts of solidarity and kindness. Whether comforting someone in pain or advocating for the oppressed, these shared missions become sacred. Simply lending a listening ear can create a sacred space. In these spaces, God’s presence is felt. His attributes are understood.

Joining God’s work requires humility and openness. It challenges us to step into spaces where He dwells: places of suffering, need, and hope. It is here, amid the brokenness, that we find glimpses of His heart. We grow in our understanding of who He is. Packer’s reflections on the relational nature of God have encouraged me to embrace this call. I am inspired to love as He loves. I am motivated to know Him through action.

The Dynamic Nature of Faith

“Knowing God” has stayed with me all these years, not merely as a theological treatise but as an invitation to live out my faith in relational and practical ways. The book taught me that faith is not static; it is dynamic and ever-changing. It is a journey of discovery. This journey is a process that takes us deeper into relationship with the One who first loved us.

For me, knowing God is not about accumulating facts. It is also not about engaging in theoretical discourse. It is about stepping into His world. Allowing His presence to shape my own is what truly matters. Packer emphasizes that true knowledge of God transforms us. It compels us to act. It challenges us to reflect His character in our daily lives. Whether through prayer, study, or service, the pursuit of God is a continuous unfolding of His grace and truth.

A Call to Justice

Years after first reading “Knowing God”, my faith journey took an unexpected yet profoundly meaningful turn. I became involved in a women’s ministry network. Through this, and my ordination as a minister, I began to understand my calling to Justice. It is a divine charge to embody and enact fairness in a world rife with confusion and chaos. This revelation planted a seed within me. It continues to grow. It challenges me to discern the sacred essence of Justice as more than a concept. Justice is a living, breathing act of faith.

The pursuit of Justice compels us to step into the discord of the world, seeking equity, compassion, and restoration. It is a call to champion the light amid shadows and hope amid despair. In this fractured world, Justice is more than just a duty. It is a sacred act of faith in God’s promise of restoration and harmony. Reflecting on Packer’s book, I see Justice as an integral part of knowing God. Through our pursuit of His righteousness, we grow closer to His heart.

A Timeless Reminder

“Knowing God”, for me, remains a timeless reminder that our faith journey is dynamic, relational, and life changing. It invites us to step beyond the theoretical and into the practical. We are encouraged to live out our beliefs in ways that reflect God’s character. This approach brings His love to others. Packer’s work has challenged me to seek knowledge of God. It also encourages me to live in communion with Him. His presence shapes my actions and relationships.

I am filled with gratitude as I reflect on this journey. God has revealed Himself through service, study, and shared mission. He is a God of Justice and compassion, inviting us to know Him through relationship and action. May we all have the courage to step into His world. May we love as He loves. May we know Him more fully in the process.

In the end, the essence of faith is this: a dynamic relationship with the One who first loved us. It is a journey of discovery, transformation, and shared purpose. Packer’s “Knowing God” has illuminated this path for me. I hope its truths continue to inspire others. May they join in the sacred pursuit of knowing Him.

Blessings,

Minister A. Francine Green