#176

A True Reflection

It seems he was pretty intent on seeing the Father. Philip made the request of Jesus, “Show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” I’m thinking that many of us feel the same way. If God would just reveal Himself to us, if He would just let us see Him then “that will be enough for us.”

Jesus’ response to Philip is somewhat curt. “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you for such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the father.” If I may borrow words from a song by Acappella (though in a different context), He (God) was “standing right in front of him (Philip),” apparently had been for some time.

Hebrews 1:3 states that truth this way, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being…” This is more, much more, than being a chip off the old block.”

I am wondering if in our intent to come to know God that we skip right over Jesus. And can I say that it is impossible to come to know God without knowing Jesus. Someone should start a blog called, “Who is Jesus?” Oh yes, someone has.

You want to know how God would react to rebellion? Take a look at how Jesus reacted to rebellion. You want to know how God would respond to faithfulness or faithlessness? Remember how Jesus responded to faith demonstrated and faith failures. You want to know how God would respond to our hurts and pains? Follow Jesus as He stops to ease the hurts and pains of so many people. You want to know how God would respond to Satan? Just watch Jesus kick him in the teeth.

Sometimes I think we are looking for something different from God. Maybe we know how Jesus would react or what He would say in certain situations, but we are hoping just maybe God would react or speak differently.

Maybe we think if we go to God we are going right to the top. Don’t forget that Jesus is there too, seated at the right hand of God - now!

Oh yes, we can learn about God from His creation, (Romans 1). If we start with creation, we should be able to reason to a creator. But the ultimate revelation of God comes through His Son.

If we get to know Jesus, we will get to know God. Jesus speaks what His Father speaks. He does what His Father gave Him to do. That’s what the “exact representation” does. As a matter of fact it is difficult if not impossible to tell them apart. Who is Jesus? The exact representation of God – a true reflection.