Do I trust the God who is? Or do I trust the God who I think is? Him, or my vain imagination of Him?
God has taken great pains to reveal Himself the way He really is. Do we see Him that way? Do we allow His revelation to infringe upon our beliefs? Can God change our minds when our minds have a false picture of Him?
God's "god-ness" leaks through the cracks in heaven and spills into our everyday lives. Do we see it? Do we get it? Do we see Him in it? The creation in all it's beauty, awe, immensity, and diversity boldly declares the power and nature of its Creator. Do we see it? Do we get it? Do we see Him in it? The scriptures in all their depth, complexity and profundity clearly declare His justice, mercy, holiness, and compassion. Do we see it? Do we get it? Do we see Him in them? Jesus faithfully lived Him. Do we see it? Do we get it? Do we see Him in Him?
If there is one problem that rises above the others, it is this ingrained ability I, we, have to keep the true God at bay while we serve the God of our imaginations. We imagine Him fighting our fights. We imagine Him punishing those who sin against us. We imagine Him defending our cause, whatever it may be. But we don't listen to what His fight is. We don't listen to what/who He will punish. We don't imitate His gracious forgiveness to those who sin against us.
God is a hen gathering her chicks. God is a consuming fire. He is both. At once. He is Love, Holiness, Justice, Freedom, and Mercy. All. At once.
Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God's kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. Romans 11:22
Father, you are awesome beyond our imaginations. We cannot fathom your wonders. Our highest thoughts of you are a shallow puddle compared to you. Give us glimpses of you the way you really are. Help us see you in the creation, in the scriptures, and in Jesus. Shatter our imaginations with yourself. And help us live as though we really know you, as though we know the real you.
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