God's Omniscience

 Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 177: Today, I am grateful for reminders of God's omniscience. 

I know, intellectually, nothing is hidden for God. Nothing surprises Him.  The last few Sunday's there have been lessons from the life of Elijah. I love that guy. He is real. Sometimes, on a spiritual high and other times, life's disappointments get to him. He is like most of us. 

We may spend another day on his passage, because one of my favorite moments in the life of Elijah happens later in the chapter. But, today, this verse has been stuck in my head all day. 

"And incidentally, there are 7,000 men in Israel who have never bowed to Baal nor kissed him!”   -1 Kings 19:18

God knew who was true! Elijah was discouraged and he was weary. Queen Jezebel was determined to see him dead in her fury. God showed up in a mighty way and embarrassed the arrogant Queen. Her prophets of the idol Baal, ended up dead. Elijah, strengthened by God, out runs the King's chariot. Elijah makes his escape. 

When God and Elijah are discussing what happened in Chapter 19, Elijah is feeling sorry for himself. Evil is everywhere and the people are not turning their hearts toward God. Elijah feels alone, but God very clearly tells him he has 7,000 men in Israel who have remained faithful to the One True God, never bending a knee to him. They have not worshiped the popular idol. 

Just like that, God tells him the headcount of the faithful. Just like that!  He knows who among us today are faithful, too.  Is the knowledge of his omniscience reassuring or terrifying? Ah... the Word has an answer to that question:

"Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." -Proverbs 1:7

Some translations say it is the beginning of wisdom. When the reality of who He is becomes more real, we find ourselves in awe of the awesome One. We pause. We ponder. We pray. We humbly kneel before The King. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders of God's omniscience.