Stepping Stones: See What Is Invisible

Transformational Thought

God is not like us. He’s not flesh and blood, and that can make Him seem so far away from us. Even without the problem of sin, the idea of really knowing God is impossible for our finite minds. He is spirit only; we have a spirit confined in our body. He is infinite; we are limited. He is perfect; we are flawed.

So how can we know Him? Well, God has designed us with one key purpose in mind: relationship with Him. And He builds us for relationship with Him through the use of “analogy,” that is, through making us in His “image and likeness.”

Think of it this way. When we’re trying to explain a difficult concept, we create a word picture of some sort. We might use images from nature. The classic is using ‘The Birds and Bees’ to explain where babies come from. Or we’ll refer to a common experience: “Do you remember the scene in ‘The Wizard of Oz’’ where Dorothy…”, or “Do you remember that road trip we took to California?” We use analogies all the time. The reason we do it is to communicate our ideas clearly by identifying a situation the other person has interacted with and can easily identify and process.

“That which is known about God is evident … for since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen …” (Romans 1:19-20). The clear expression of God’s invisible attributes is this two-pronged analogy of His authority and holiness in our delegated authority and morality. God uses analogy for the same reason we do: so that we can understand His communication with us. Satan is always trying to distort God’s analogies so that we get lost and easily confused.

Today, remember you were designed for something far better than just “getting by.” But if you feel like that’s all you’re doing, perhaps you’re not listening to God as He seeks a close and mentoring relationship with you. Stop and ask, “Why am I not spending more time with the One who knows me best and knows what I need the most?” He is calling to you and His message is clear. WITHIN REACH will help you hear Him better and apply His teaching directly to your life.

Prayer
Dear Father, You built us for relationship with You. And You have been seeking to win us back since You called out to Adam and Eve in the garden, “Where are you?” Many times I hear you call for me, “Karl, where are you?” I confess, I hide behind some pretty transparent animal skins. I don’t even understand why I am hiding sometimes, but I want to. Thank You for Your recent working in my life to push me back into Your arms. Let me consistently desire the greatest thing of all, to be in relationship with You, O Father, through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord, and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
Romans 1:19-20

But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.
John 4:23