07.02
What do we imagine God to be like? What do we think that he wants? How do we relate to him? I think that many times we “know” him to be a miracle-man, some kind of genie in a bottle, or simple computer (input A -> output B). We want him only when we want things, usually a change in circumstance or to bless our chasing of the American Dream.
God can certainly be that and do those things. However, I think that there is more. God knows that we want more, but he also knows what we need more. God knows that we need forgiveness. He knows we need better character and better relationships. He knows that we need peace and joy, love and hope.
In the book of John, chapter 4, verses 43-54, we see this in action. A man came and wanted a change in his circumstance. Jesus wanted a change in his soul. He asked for his son to be healed. Jesus did it, but that also allowed the man to find the forgiver of his sins. Everyone sins and we can never do enough good to make up for it. The only solution to wrong-doing is forgiveness. That’s why God sent Jesus, the Messiah. Jesus means ‘he saves’ and messiah (which is the same as Christ) means ‘the anointed one’. He came to show us God and his love (that even though death would be fair, forgiveness through grace because of his love is what he wants). He came to show us this by his death and resurrection – that’s how our forgiveness comes about.
What do we imagine God to be like? What do we think that he wants? How do we relate to him? I think he’s all powerful and all loving. I think he wants the best for us. But I also think that we need to relate to him understanding that life can be hard and he could change things, and he has a plan that will change things, but first he wants to give us what he all need: forgiveness, truth, love, and a new life with him.
