Monday Morning Encouragement -- Knowing God

 


"He who sees Me sees the One who sent Me."
John 12:45



The word "see" used in today's scripture means to behold as a spectator, showing particular interest in something or someone. In the original Greek, the word is theōréō which is the root of the English term theatre.


Those men and women who beheld Christ when He walked the earth, saw and experienced God. This is the wonder of the incarnation: God the Father coming to reveal Himself in God the Son. 


Although Jesus is not currently here on earth physically (He will be. . .He promised to return!), we don't have to guess what God is like. By studying the life and words of Christ, we can know.  


We see the power of God in Jesus' miracles.


We see the mercy of God in Jesus' interaction with sinners.


We see the tenderness of God in Jesus' treatment of children.


We see the love of God to mankind in Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.


We see the the grace of God in Jesus' forgiveness of those who harmed Him. 


These are just a few of the attributes of God shown in Jesus. We can know so much more about God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as we study the Bible. 


However, knowing about God is not the same as knowing Him. I grew up in the church, and knew quite a bit about God by the time I was fourteen years old, but I did not know God personally, and it wasn't until I was well into adulthood that I understood that I needed to receive by faith the salvation that God offers through Christ Jesus. Up until that time I was trying to earn that salvation by doing good things, not understanding that I was hopelessly lost, and that all those "good things" were as it says in Isaiah 64:6: ". . .all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away."


All my good works were "like filthy rags." God wasn't impressed. 


However, He didn't leave me in that filthy condition. He opened my eyes to the truth of Ephesians 2:8-9:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."


Suddenly I had nothing to boast about, except one thing:
Jesus died for me! 


He paid the price for my sins. And all I had to do was accept Him. He freed me from the bondage of striving to gain God's favor. However, even knowing that was not enough. I had to humble myself, confess my sinful condition, and open my heart to receive this wonderful Savior. 


Jesus says, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."


Do you know Jesus? Have you, in faith, received Him as your Savior? If not, make that decision now. It's the most important decision you will ever make.

Today's video In Christ Alone, sung by Kristyn Getty and Alison Krauss, is a favorite of mine. It's a beautiful presentation of the gospel. I hope you enjoy it.



I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.




5 comments

  1. Beautiful message as always Nancy. Happy Monday have a good week. Hugs. Kris

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  2. God is good and I'm so thankful that in His mercy he pursued us and saved us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Have a wonderful week, Nancy!

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  3. Nancy, your story is so like mine, growing up going to church, knowing about God, but not knowing Him personally! I saw him much like I saw my earthly father, and that was someone who demanded perfection and was ready to punish for anything short of his standard. I always "knew" I was failing God! It took me years too, and even when I received Jesus, I didn't know what to do with that and strayed very quickly. Thank the Lord, He never gave up on me, and was always calling me back. Now, I love studying His Word and learning as much as possible! I know my earthly father did the best he could, and he too received Jesus and changed, but my Heavenly Father is perfect!! And he loves ME, of all things!! Thank you for these encouraging posts! I really do look forward to hearing what you have to say!

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  4. In Christ alone—everything we will ever need, we will find in Him. I am so thankful He is my Lord and Savior. God bless you, my friend.

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