With the advent of doorbell and security cameras, as well as video recording on smart phones, it is getting harder, thankfully, for crooks to get away with their crimes. We see the images of "porch pirates" stealing Amazon packages from someone's front porch. We see thieves who drive off with someone's trailer. We even see the video of a man climbing on a roof before he tries to kill the former president of the United States. However, even with all this technology, there are many crimes and wrongs we do not see. We do not see the envy in a person's mind toward a fellow brother or sister in Christ. We do not see the verbal abuse that takes place inside many homes today. We do not see those who use the internet to look at pornography. We do not see those who cheat on tests or on their taxes. We do not see those who talk about others behind their backs. It may be that those who do such things think that no one else will ever know what they have done, but they have forgotten that someone does see all: The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good (Proverbs 15:3 NKJV).
Nothing escapes the attention of God. God has limitless power. That's why He is God (cf. 1 Kings 18:39). Therefore, God is omnipresent, that is, "present in all places at all times" (Merriam-Webster). An example of this occurs when Philip introduces Nathanael to Jesus. Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (John 1:47-49). The Son of God could see Nathanael and know his mind even though He was not physically present with Nathanael when he was under the fig tree. Also, David asked, Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? (Psalm 139:7). He concluded there was not any place in the air, in the ground, in the sea, or in the darkness that God could not see him (Psalm 139:8-12).
This knowledge is a comfort to the faithful, for when we are weak, scared, sad, or in pain, we know that God is with us. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6,7). On the other hand, this knowledge is a terror to the disobedient. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe - and tremble! (James 2:19). God sees everything, and because He is just, unforgiven sins will be brought up on judgment day. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:14; cf. 2 Corinthians 5:10). Even though others may not see or know about your sin, be sure that Almighty God does. But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out (Numbers 32:23).
Everyone lives under the all-seeing eye of God. Knowing that God always sees us should produce that reverential fear of Him which results in living honestly and godly. He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is perverse in his ways despises Him (Proverbs 14:2).
Brotherly, Jamie
