SEEING THE INVISIBLE

     If we believe God to be our life-giving power, then, is it possible to see and touch Him in the form of His Holy Spirit?  When Jesus' disciples asked that He might show them the Heavenly Father, His reply was that they need only to look at Him.

John 14:9 King James Version (KJV)

"Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?" 

     If Jesus meant, He looks like God, then perhaps, we can imagine God as the Jesus depicted in some pictures, with a beard, brown eyes, long and wavy hair; or long, blond hair and blue eyes.  Jesus said that the Father is in Him and He is in the Father.  Even so, God was standing there and the disciples were unable to see Him.  Jesus' reply to His disciples, implies that they have limited vision. 

     If we continue to seek God only with our eyes, we too have limited vision.  Our eyes and mind can identify water as being a clear liquid.  Although, it is comprised of more than one element, we do not see it beyond its liquid form.  We breathe air and it consists of various gases we are unable to see with our eyes. It is not uncommon  for us to describe or label an object as being in its true form, yet, we see it only as our eyes can project it to us.  It is no wonder that, like the apostles, we too are blinded, when we try to seek the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, only with our eyes. 

     Exodus 3:14. "Ehyeh asher ehyeh"  translates in Hebrew as, "I Will Be What (That, Who,  Which, Where) I Will Be."  It is God's definitive answer to Moses concerning His name, which leaves no question to who He is and what He can do.  His name is a declaration that He is and forever will be many things.  Man can not limit the power of God.

Exodus 13:21 (KJV)

"And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night"

     Jesus demonstrates "I Will Be What I Will Be" in the following statements::

• “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35)
• “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) 
•  I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. (John 10:9) 
• “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
•  “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26)
•  “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
• “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

     Until you come to know the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Jesus' metaphoric statements are simply that...just metaphors.  Without spiritual eyes and understanding, it is hard to conceive that He can possibly be that, which He says.  Impaired by limited vision, man can not move beyond that which he can see, touch or explain scientifically.

     The unproven and unexplained are categorized as supernatural and metaphysical.  In as much, as the human mind and body may fit into this category, we do not consider ourselves to be supernatural, although we are unable to explain the force within us, regulating our thoughts and functions.  As incredible as life is, the act of being alive has become commonplace to us...an everyday occurrence. 

       We live in a busy world, where most people, while trying to cope with everyday life,  don't have time or take time to think about the unknown.  It is more comfortable to settle for limited, incomplete scientific explanations for our existence, allowing one to take for granted, that humans, a massive accumulation of cells and water, function for some reason or another.  Despite the multitude of questions and unknown factors, many still deem God's existence improbable and unjustifiable, finding it incredible that a higher power not only created them, but is able to impart His own essence into one's being. 

     Incorrect interpretations of the Bible and false teachings have misled Christians into believing God's Holy Spirit comes and goes, but does not dwell within us.  The adversary continues to place fear in our minds to convince us that such an act is impossible and even if this higher power exists, dwelling within the human body would be controlling and possessive.  Having a powerful entity in us and over us every second, watching and judging, is an unsettling thought for some people and a threat to their concept of free will.  They want control over their lives and believe that they have the right to live free and autonomous lives.  They believe we are intelligent beings capable of deciding our own destiny and well-being.  They believe it is in their best interests to reject anything that interferes with living and doing as they please.  Many consider the idea of an unknown, higher intelligence to be an insult to their intelligence. The leap from corporeal thinking to spiritual thinking is a leap that some people simply can not or will not make, due to pride. 

God does not possess--He abides, or lives in us, at our invitation.  We have a choice to rest and abide in Him freely and ask Him to watch over and guide us through life, here on earth.  As a result of rejecting Him or not trusting Him to guide us, we continue to sin and make unwise choices.

 

By the Grace and Mercy of God,

 

Your servant

 

Mishael