“When God Looks Down”
Recently, in two different Bible studies groups, I asked this question; “If you were God, the creator of the universe and were looking down from heaven today upon the human race, of which you brought into this world, how would you feel?” Two different groups, two different settings, the same question with many of the same answers.
My question was spurned from Psalm 14:1-2 which says, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. The LORD LOOKS DOWN from heaven and sees the sons of men TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY WHO UNDERSTAND, ANY WHO SEEK GOD.”
The answers to my question were, “sad, disappointed, angry, heartbroken, shocked, surprised, filled with grief, and several others.” How would you answer the question? Let’s take a look into this Psalm.
When God looks down, He sees a nation of sinful chaos (v 2). He sees a nation without leadership, “All have turned aside and have become corrupt,” (v3), which includes some preachers, Christian leaders, and many professing Christians without courage to preach, teach, speak, or stand for the truth of God’s Word (v 4).
2 Timothy informs us that God sees people “having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof; from such we are to turn away from” (3:5 KJV). “Form” refers to those who outwardly appear religious. They might go to church, use the right language, and follow all the rituals. Denying the “Power” means their faith lacks the true transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Because the power is denied, their hearts and lifestyle remain unchanged, and their actions often contradict what they claim to believe. This, said one of the Bible students, “must make God sick!”
One person said, “HOPEFUL!” I loved that answer because we have a God who never gives up on us. He continues to believe in us no matter how far we have strayed or what we’ve done. As the songwriter wrote, “There’s room at the cross – though millions have come, there’s still room for one – yes, there’s room at the cross for you!” I challenge you to examine your heart today. See yourself as God sees you. Are you religious or committed? There’s hope, because there’s room at the cross for you.
Pastor Carnes
