I wonder what the disciples expected to see when Philip said to Jesus “Show us the Father” (John 14:8)? Or what Moses expected when he said to God “Show me your glory” (Exodus 33:18)?
The disciples had already seen Jesus heal the sick, raise the dead, feed the hungry and cast out demons. Some of them were no doubt at Jesus’ water baptism when the Holy Spirit descended like a dove and the Father thundered from heaven “This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Peter, James and John had seen Jesus shining with light as he was transfigured before them, and heard God say “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:1-6). So what more did Philip expect when he said “Show us the Father”?
Moses had already experienced the burning bush; the miracles of God in bringing the Israelites out from Egypt; the pillar of cloud and fire; the thunder, lightning and cloud of God’s presence on Mt Sinai. He had already spoken with God face to face (Exodus 33:11). So I wonder what Moses expected when he said “Show me your glory”?
Yet both the disciples’ and Moses’ requests were answered. However, rather than seeing what God “looked like,” Moses was shown the nature of God – in particular, His goodness, mercy and compassion.
And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”
Exodus 33:19
Rather than seeing some supernatural visible manifestation of what the Father looked like, Jesus said to Philip,
“Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”
John 14:9
Connecting with the character and nature of God
I just wonder if “seeing” or “experiencing” God has more to do with connecting with the character and nature of God, than having some supernatural manifestation of God’s nearness (as glorious as this is!).
What both Moses and the disciples experienced was the nature and character of God on display. For 3 years the disciples had been engaging with the lived-out nature and character of God through everything Jesus did and said. Jesus brought compassion, healing, forgiveness and transformation into people’s lives.
Moses was confronted with the power of God’s overwhelming compassion, mercy, forgiveness and love. And this was immediately after the incident with the golden calf! When Moses intercedes before God on their behalf, rather than judgment and condemnation, God displays His goodness.
The nature and character of God on display – in us
Here’s the challenge for each of us: As believers, we are now Christ’s body on earth. We are called to be God’s image-bearers – those who bear God’s name. When people look at us, do they see the nature and character of God on display?
Here’s a couple of verses you might like to meditate on as you contemplate this today.
Galatians 5:13-25
1 John 4:7-21
