How Great Thou Art! Part 4
Time
Let’s consider time for a while.
Time is the basis for all measurements. The basic unit of length is the distance light travels in a unit of time. Power is defined as the work that can be done in a unit of time. The strength of medicine or chemical reactions is measures in half-life—the time for the strength to be reduced by 50%.
Because time forms the basis of all measurement, and God does not have time, God is immeasurable.
When Moses asked God His name, He said it was, "I am who I am". Timeless, changeless.
When God talked to Job about his doubt and discouragement, He began by showing Job His greatness. “Where were you when I formed the universe?” (Job 38:4-7) Time and the universe. We constantly need a reminder of the majesty and greatness of God.
Velocity and God’s Omnipresence
We define motion on the basis of time. Velocity is the distance travelled in a unit of time. What is God's velocity? Well, first, does God move? Yes, the Scriptures tell us that in Gen. 1:2. So, if He moves, what is His velocity?
Velocity, V, is defined as change in position divided by change in time. V = (change in position)/(change in time).
But with God there is no change in time. The denominator is zero. So, God's velocity is infinite. Velocity is directional, and in every direction His velocity is infinite. That means He is always everywhere. And if always everywhere, then God is here now! You can believe that by faith or you can prove it mathematically.
Does the Scripture agree with that? Deuteronomy 31:6 says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” And in case we missed it, it is repeated in Hebrews 13:5.
We call that the omnipresence of God. Psalm 139:7-12 says,
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”.
This is also the basis of our confidence in the love of God (Rom. 8:35-38).
Acceleration and God’s Immutability
Taking it one step further, the change in velocity is called acceleration—how fast you go from one speed to another. (For you mathematicians, it is the second derivative of distance with respect to time.) So, what is the acceleration of God?
A = (change in velocity)/(change in time).
Here again God's change in time is zero. But His velocity is always infinite, so there is no change there either. So, the result is that God's acceleration is zero. He does not change.
Does the Scripture agree with that? Malachi 3:6 says, "I am the Lord, I change not". James 1:17 states that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” And Hebrews 13:8 states, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
We call that the immutability of God.
Power and God’s Omnipotence
One more example we can look at is power—work done per unit time, or force times distance divided by time. God does work, we know that. So, in the equation, P = (work done)/(change in time), we see that God's power is without limit—the same result we got when we examined creation. You can take that by faith or you can prove it mathematically.
What does the Scripture say about the power of God? Matthew 28:18 says, "All power is given unto me…." We call that the omnipotence of God.
Final Thoughts
Paul was a trained Pharisee. He knew about God. He probably could have written a textbook on God. But then on the road to Damascus he came face to face with Jesus, and his eyes were opened. When Paul was very old, nearing his death, he had one desire, "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;" (Phil 3:10). You might ask, "What, Paul, don't you know Christ? Don't you God?" I'm sure Paul would say, I hardly know anything about Him. There's just too much to know.
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out. Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? (Rom 11:33-34)
I titled this post "How Great Thou Art", after the great hymn by Stuart K. Hine. But I like a fifth verse that is seldom sung...
Oh, when I think of all the many millions
Who do not know the sound of Thy sweet name;
Who do not know the miracle of Calvary,
Who cannot yet Thy great salvation claim.
Then cries my soul, "Oh, teach me, Lord, to pray!
Until they know how great Thou art."
Then cries my soul, "Oh, teach me, Lord, to pray!
Until they know how great Thou art."