Recently, a friend of mine suggested that I read the Gospels, and have in view that however Jesus acted or whatever He said actually is a complete picture of God the Father, portrayed in the Old Testament.
This is fascinating. Jesus himself claimed, “If you’ve seen Me, you’ve seen the Father.” So it should be no surprise that the portrayals of God the Son
Take for example, the portrayals in John 2, when Jesus cleared out the temple. Jesus was actually holding back when he drove the money changers and animal sellers out of the temple. In John 8, He was revealing so much kindness as He passed no condemnation along to the woman caught in adultery. In fact, He spoke only a few words, and those were to only cast a stone if you had no sin. Jesus reveals the grace and kindness of the Father in new ways.
Think about Jesus meeting with the disciples on the Road to Emmaus. He had just risen from the dead, mind you, and they had no idea what was going on. He was content to give insight as to the significance of current events. Never mind that He had created the two men to whom He was talking!
Next time you read the Gospels, picture yourself as a bystander, and see how Jesus reveals the Father, Who is known through both Old and New Testaments. Breathe in His loving kindness!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Why I Love Springtime
Springtime is probably my favorite time of year, for several reasons.
First of all, it stays light longer. I love being able to go home after work and still take a walk while it is light out, or have the windows open on my main floor and feel the gentle breeze.
Second, March Madness comes on. I enjoy watching the college basketball championships. A cool breeze, lying on the couch with the sun coming in, you just can’t get any better than that!
Third, nature is coming back. Things get green and colorful again. Smelling the flowers at the Court House during my lunch break is like a small slice of heaven. Not having to wear a heavy coat is pretty nice too.
Also, Cardinals baseball is just starting to come on again. Wow. That is one of my favorite things!
Do you love springtime as much as I do?
First of all, it stays light longer. I love being able to go home after work and still take a walk while it is light out, or have the windows open on my main floor and feel the gentle breeze.
Second, March Madness comes on. I enjoy watching the college basketball championships. A cool breeze, lying on the couch with the sun coming in, you just can’t get any better than that!
Third, nature is coming back. Things get green and colorful again. Smelling the flowers at the Court House during my lunch break is like a small slice of heaven. Not having to wear a heavy coat is pretty nice too.
Also, Cardinals baseball is just starting to come on again. Wow. That is one of my favorite things!
Do you love springtime as much as I do?
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Role of Doubt in Knowing and Loving God
There are those who say that we should never question God. They say that to question God is to disrespect Him, or to second-guess His goodness and control over the events and circumstances of life.
Whoever says this should read the Psalms. These are poems in the Bible, and they are full of questions asked to God, of doubts, and expressions of despairing feelings towards God. The writers of the Psalms desire for God to answer for circumstances in their lives that seem inexplainable. The writers question God’s character, whether He is who he says He is, Good.
The writer of Job expresses similar questions and doubts. Job was a man who lost everything he owned, his family, and his health. The only person he did not lose was his wife, and she told him to curse God and die. The book of Job is full of why questions, and full of Job’s despair.
To question God is a healthy exercise. Events in life often warrant legitimate wondering about God’s control over and care for His creation. To doubt and to question means that I believe that God exists – I am exerting faith in God when I question Him. With an attitude of truly wanting to know, and a willingness to recognize our role as being created (not having absolute control), questioning God can actually end up leading to greater trust. Approach God as a child, seeking to know, and to understand. Listen for His answers.
At the end of the book of Job, God responds to Job’s questions and despair. He answers with His creative power, asking Job if He was around when the trees, the sky, the animals, weather patterns, etc. were created. He doesn’t give exact or direct reasons for the loss of Job’s possessions, family, and health. But the implicit understanding is that God can be trusted. His wisdom goes beyond our wildest imagination, just as His creation goes beyond our ability to comprehend.
Dear friend, you can trust the LORD. Ask Him your questions. Approach Him with the why questions in your own heart, maybe about your own circumstances, or about why certain things are the way they are. Tell the LORD you truly desire wisdom and understanding. Wait patiently for Him and listen for His answers… allow Him to reassure you with His compassionate love and deep wisdom.
Whoever says this should read the Psalms. These are poems in the Bible, and they are full of questions asked to God, of doubts, and expressions of despairing feelings towards God. The writers of the Psalms desire for God to answer for circumstances in their lives that seem inexplainable. The writers question God’s character, whether He is who he says He is, Good.
The writer of Job expresses similar questions and doubts. Job was a man who lost everything he owned, his family, and his health. The only person he did not lose was his wife, and she told him to curse God and die. The book of Job is full of why questions, and full of Job’s despair.
To question God is a healthy exercise. Events in life often warrant legitimate wondering about God’s control over and care for His creation. To doubt and to question means that I believe that God exists – I am exerting faith in God when I question Him. With an attitude of truly wanting to know, and a willingness to recognize our role as being created (not having absolute control), questioning God can actually end up leading to greater trust. Approach God as a child, seeking to know, and to understand. Listen for His answers.
At the end of the book of Job, God responds to Job’s questions and despair. He answers with His creative power, asking Job if He was around when the trees, the sky, the animals, weather patterns, etc. were created. He doesn’t give exact or direct reasons for the loss of Job’s possessions, family, and health. But the implicit understanding is that God can be trusted. His wisdom goes beyond our wildest imagination, just as His creation goes beyond our ability to comprehend.
Dear friend, you can trust the LORD. Ask Him your questions. Approach Him with the why questions in your own heart, maybe about your own circumstances, or about why certain things are the way they are. Tell the LORD you truly desire wisdom and understanding. Wait patiently for Him and listen for His answers… allow Him to reassure you with His compassionate love and deep wisdom.
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