Revealing Light: Like Father, Like Son
Famines, earthquakes, wars, and rumors of war—how could God allow such things?
“My brother, a totally innocent man, was brutally murdered at the age of twenty. I could never worship a god who would allow that to happen, if that god exists at all. You say your god is a loving god. Look around. I see the total opposite. I will not worship any god like that.”
These words were fired at a pastor friend of ours who was trying to lead a young man into a relationship with Jesus. His response, full of compassion and bold truth, was both brilliant and inspired.
“I don’t blame you for feeling like you do. What happened to your brother is horrible and tragic. But let me ask you this: You know what would be even worse? Your brother is in heaven and can’t wait for the day you and he are reunited. But you won’t be there because you’re mad at a god you have misjudged.”
How can we know what God is really like? Jesus said, “The one who has seen Me has seen the Father. I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me.” John 14:9, CSB
A study of the character of Jesus could fill more pages than there are books on earth. We know Him to be kind, merciful, loving, patient, forgiving, sacrificial, compassionate, humble, truthful, and peaceful. Not to mention all-knowing and all-powerful. He even has a sense of humor! Best of all, He calls us to be His friend.
So, what is Jesus like? Let’s examine just one instance for some insight.
In Matthew chapter 8, Jesus has spent a long day ministering to the people. He gets in a boat despite the severe weather coming. He calms the storm (!) and crosses the sea to a Gentile region, where He casts a legion of demons out of a desperate, dangerous man. We have read this passage many times. Ho-hum.
But notice: Jesus poured Himself out. When we hear of the sacrifice of Christ, we think immediately about His torturous death. But He sacrificed Himself daily for us. Did He demand veneration or even reciprocity? No.
Did the demonic man ask to be delivered? Not that we know of. Jesus took the initiative, making an arduous journey to save someone considered an outsider—the most despicable man in the region. And when He is asked to leave, He complies.
Remember, Jesus said, “The Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees the Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” John 5:19, CSB
So, in this passage alone, we learn the Father loves us when we are unlovable. He seeks us out and ministers to our needs. And He does so in miraculous ways. He doesn’t force Himself on us but respects our wishes.
There are two ways of looking at the world:
- We can (mis)judge God by what we see and evaluate Him based on our interpretation of earthly events. Sadly, this is what most of us do.
- Or we can interpret worldly events knowing that God is sovereign and that He works all things for my good and the good of those who love Him. We can have faith in the God who has revealed Himself to us through Jesus and trust Him in all things at all times.
This season, take some time to get to know God better. Pause. Open His Word. Soak, linger, meditate in a single passage. Ask Him to show you what He longs for you to know about Him. He is waiting for you and yearns for time with you more than you yearn for time with Him.
The eternity He promises us is far beyond our grasp, but we know it will be glorious! The main reason we can celebrate our salvation is because we will get to be with Him. Forever.
The alternative is unthinkable. Think about it. Is there someone you will see this Christmas that needs to know God for who He really is, and not the vindictive, judgmental, arbitrary god they hear about? Wouldn’t it be tragic if someone you love won’t be in heaven because they are mad? Or simply ill-informed? Another perspective, a paradigm shift lovingly presented—could be the greatest gift of all.
This Christmas, as we celebrate the Great Light, consider offering the greatest gift to someone else: the truth about the Father who loves them deeply—introduce them to Jesus.