The Knowledge of the Holy is considered to be a classic and perhaps the book that A. W. Tozer may be the most known for, although there are many other books he wrote that are still in print. As I read this classic, I could sense a real burden in the author’s intention behind every word. A. W. Tozer was deeply concerned with the way Christians of his day presented God. He saw the grave error of man being put in the center of the Gospel message. He stood against this in his preaching. He was a no nonsense man of God. He feared God and hoped his fellow Christian would do likewise.
In his attempt to encourage Christians to behold God in reverence and meditate upon Him, Tozer presents the attributes of God in this book. There are twenty three chapters in all, but the book itself is a slim volume. Neverthless, each chapter is worthy of the reader’s meditation. Often in these chapters, I find Tozer to be some what of a mystic in a very sound and biblical sense. It is biblical and sound in the way the material is presented. The mystic element emerges in the way each description of these attributes leaves Tozer awe-struck with wonder.
Even though I may not agree with some of the statements made, I am convicted by the heart found in each chapter. We should pause and seek the Lord when we sense that we feel we are losing the capacity to be awe-struck with the wonder Tozer shares in this book.
Today, God is often presented as nothing more than our buddy or pal, or worse our great big sugar daddy in the sky. This attitude is in many quarters of the American Church, Therefore, I find Tozer’s classic quite refreshing, to say the least. Listen to him, “. . . the God we must see is not the utiltarian God who is having such a run of popularity today, whose chief claim to men’s attention is His ability to bring them success in their various undertakings and who for that reason is being cajoled and flattered by everyone who wants a favor. The God we must learn to know is the Majesty in the heavens, God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, the only wise God our Saviour.”
After reading this book, I think it is safe to say, the Church needs more men like Tozer who stir up the hunger for God in others.