Is it possible to really see God?
Is it possible to really see God? No, if you want to stay alive. And yes, if you look where he chooses to reveal himself. Confused? Ever since Moses (Exodus 33) and possibly before, people have wanted to “see” God. Granted it may be more out of curiosity than devotion. Heck, who wouldn’t want to “see” God, except that God told Moses “you can’t see my face and live.” (v.20)
That’s quite a price tag.
However, it is God through the drawing of his Spirit that we begin to become interested in God in the first place. So, where does that leave us – – – in a hide and seek pursuit where either God wins or we die trying to see him and learn what he is like? No, not at all. For those of us living in A.D. time and perhaps just beginning our faith walk, we take a small faith step acknowledging that the person of Jesus once lived. Just accept that historical fact as a starting point.
One shouldn’t begin their journey to know God being fearful to express doubts or to ask questions. The best of believers work through doubts. Look at Phillip. He trekked with Jesus a long while and yet in John 14:8 asks Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Now, had the New Testament been written at the time for Phillip to read, John would have instructed him “No-one has seen the Father except the one who is from God, only he has seen the Father.” (John 6:46) I probably would have been snippier in my response but Jesus, good shepherd that he is, responded “Don’t you know me, Phillip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”(v.9) Jesus reiterates his assertion in John 10:30 that “I and the Father are one.” Jesus is all we need to see. He is more than just a “chip off the old block.”
We see in Colossians 1:15 and 19 that seeing one is seeing the other. “He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God.” For God (the Father) was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him (Jesus).” It’s clear that Jesus is not walking our streets today. But he once did. Those who walked along with him, observed his life and character and who heard him teach were eye witnesses to the real deal. Jesus is what God is like. Jesus is God. That’s why it is so important for seekers as well as those of us who want to “see” God as he is must become students of Jesus. I believe God knew that and gave us a written record of Jesus’ life.
No-one need ever be in the dark wondering what God is like if they will begin to pursue an honest look at scripture to examine the life of the Son who was and is a mirror image of the Father. Such a pursuit will bring the desired results, and you won’t have to die looking. Knowing Jesus, the Jesus revealed by the scriptures, is a vital quest for all who want to know God, see God and have their lives transformed by his grace and power. There’s no need to accept a second hand opinion about Jesus. What credible historical witnesses say about him and what he says of himself and shows of himself will have the power to influence anyone who comes seeking God with an open mind. Actually, the truth will sort of grow on you. Once the journey of seeking and knowing God through Jesus begins, God will continue to draw the one who has the heart to find and follow. Think About It.