Articles
Our Image of God, Pt. 2
What is the image you have of the Almighty God? Is it the same image you had as a child
praying? Is it an image that fits comfortably in a box defined by your personal needs, perhaps the
same image the scribes and Pharisees shared as they confronted Jesus (John 6)? Has the image
of God changed in a way that brings you to your knees as you worship Him from week to week?
How do you begin to describe our God?
After returning from Babylonian captivity and completing the rebuilding of the wall of
Jerusalem, the people gathered to praise God. The ninth chapter of Nehemiah details many
wonderful attributes of God.
He alone is the Lord; He is the only God, vs. 6.
He is the Creator of all things, vs. 6.
He is the God who makes covenants with human beings and who keeps His covenant,
vss. 8, 32, 33.
He always does what He has promised. He is the God who destroys His enemies, vss. 10-11.
He punishes His people when they rebel against Him, vss. 27-28, 30.
He is the God who communicates with men, giving them good laws, vss. 13-14.
He instructs them by His Spirit, vs. 20.
He has spoken to them through His prophets (vss. 26, 30) and admonishes them, vs. 34.
He is a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving
kindness, vss. 17, 19, 27, 31-32.
He not only forgives, but He also delivers His people, vss. 27-28.
He is a God who meets the needs of His people, vss. 20-21.
He is a good God, demonstrating “great goodness,” vss. 25, 35.
He is a great, mighty, and awesome God, vs. 32.
He is a just God who deals fairly with people; those who are punished deserve their
chastisement, vs. 33.
Truth for Today Commentary, Nehemiah, pp. 361, 362
