“Look unto me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:22)
Year after year the statistics are the same: the Bible sells more copies than any other book! Unfortunately it also carries another distinction: it seems it is the least read #1 bestseller. While other books regularly need updates and revisions, the Word of God has not, does not, and will not change. It is as steadfast as the God who breathed it, even though all else will pass away.
God has declared that “My words shall not pass away” (Matt 24:35.) This revelation to mankind does not start with an explanation of God, but rather states the indisputable reality, “In the beginning, GOD” (Gen 1:1.) It goes on to make statements of fact as to our origin and the purpose for which we were put on this earth. As Creator, God has the right to expect our reverence and obedience. Unfortunately, man continues to repeat the action of his first parents and has “turned everyone to his own way” (Isa 53:6). In his turning away from the true God, he has devised and fabricated his own gods, which are no gods at all. He goes after the gods of wealth, success, and popularity, while, unfortunately, that least read #1 best seller, sits on the shelf as an altar to “THE UNKNOWN GOD.”
THE SIMPLE LOGIC – I AM GOD
The world has not changed much from the Apostle Paul’s day. In Acts 17 we are told of the conditions at Athens as Paul’s spirit was stirred in him when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry (vs. 14). Yet in the midst of the confusion of all the man-made gods, the altar with the inscription to the “UNKNOWN GOD” stood forth as testimony to the reality of the one true God and His desire to be known by His creature. From this starting point, Paul presented “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of Heaven” (vs. 24).
THE SINGULAR LOOK – LOOK UNTO ME
In our multi-cultural and pluralistic society, the message of the Bible and its “ONE WAY” to heaven is scorned as being intolerant and narrow minded. Yet Paul went on to explain to those that were listening to him on Mars Hill that since God, the Lord of heaven, had created all things, that also included the origin of all men. “And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth” (vs. 26). The Bible also says, “In Him we live, and move and have our being” (vs. 28). So doesn’t it make sense that we need to approach God His way and on His terms? The wonder of the gospel message is that in spite of our turning away from God and the sin that is in each one of us (“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” Rom 3:23), God is making overtures to the sinner and is saying, LOOK UNTO ME!
THE SAVING LORD – BE YE SAVED
So how are we to know what the Creator has to say to mankind? We turn to His Word, the Bible. In it we find that we are “without strength” and are unable to do anything to merit God’s salvation or His heaven. Yet because God desires all men to be saved, He says, “Look to ME, and BE YE SAVED.” Dear friend, have you ever just looked to God in all your need, understanding that in your destitution as a sinner, the Holy and Righteous Creator has provided a way in which he can forgive you of your sin? He has sent His Son, who Himself was God, to suffer the punishment and pain your sins deserved. By looking to Him and nothing else, you can find forgiveness from God for all your sins. Isn’t it about time you fulfilled the purpose for which God put you on this earth? Start by bowing down in reverence before Him and obeying this gospel text. No matter what your background or ethnic heritage may be, God says, “Look unto Me and be ye saved, ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH, for I am God and there is none else!”
