The Face of God

Revelation 21:22-22:7, 20-21

 

 

In 1991, I met Greg Lashutka when he was running for mayor of Columbus for the first time. We were passing each other in a church hallway. Being a good politician, he stuck his hand out to shake. Afterwards, I was so nervous that I couldn’t think of anything else to say other than, “Boy you’ve got big hands”.

 

Being in the presence of someone who is famous, successful and powerful can sometimes be intimidating. And in Lashutka’s case, he had something else going for him. He played tight end for Woody Hayes at Ohio State, and later in the NFL. Needless to say, he was a big man… with big hands!

 

In Exodus 33:20 God spoke to Moses saying, "You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live." After being in God’s presence Isaiah wrote, "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." When Simon Peter fell at Jesus’ feet, Luke wrote, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”

 

What is it about the face and presence of God that is so difficult, if not impossible, for us as humans to encounter?

 

In today’s passage John is describing Heaven. In it, he makes this amazing statement: “They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads”. Despite how people have always reacted in the presence of God, in Heaven we will see His face. We will be in His very presence.

 

I am reminded of the song “I can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me.

I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk by your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When your face is before me

Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you Jesus,
Or in awe of you be still?
Will I stand in your presence,
Or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing Halelluja,
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine.

 

In Heaven we will see the face of God and rejoice; not hide in shame. In Heaven we will

be in His presence; not in a temple. In Heaven, the River of Life will wash over us; not sin and guilt. In Heaven, no longer will there be a curse; but only joy in the presence of God.

 

John wrote these words in Revelation 21:  ^“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

 

Thanks be to God! Amen.

 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2021%3A22-22%3A7%2C%2020-21&version=NIV;TLB

https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Rev.21.22-Rev.22.7

 

 

 

 

 

1 John 5: 1-12

The Cross

The Lord knows our heart, whether those in the world have that same understanding does not matter. It is He we will answer to.

1 John 5:11-12 states “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. “

Is it possible for people to know for sure they have eternal life? John’s answer is unquestionably, “yes.” He states this truth positively and then negatively. If we believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead to basically save us from ourselves, we are assured this promise of eternity. Those who do not believe this is so, do not have an infinite life with God to look forward to. That is pretty straight forward.

Deep within our heart we know what we believe, but there is no one else who does except God. It is a type of intimate secret that only two are privileged to know.  We in the world may judge the intentions of others by our view of their actions, yet cannot know their true heart.

My husband came home one day with a half smile on his face telling me of a bumper sticker he had seen that day. It read; “Jesus may love you, but I think you’re a ____ . I had to laugh because it is so true, and in all honesty many people think my husband is that _____ because they do not know his heart or his true intentions. I thank God that He does.

If eternal life were something we earned by our good deeds, none of us could ever be sure that we’ve done enough. John 3:16 is frequently use to help people understand God’s intentions and guide them to earthly peace and freedom in Christ. “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Our creator made each of us who and what we are in His image. We were placed in our own unique environment and given experiences to shape and mold us. Through no fault or credit of our own, we are who we are.  God knew this world would challenge and beat us up, therefore he has offered us a happy ending. No matter what we’ve done or been through, the cross is what we need.

        "No mater the bumps, no matter the bruises, no mater the scars still the truth is.                                                           The cross has made, the cross has made you flawless."

These lyrics by Mercy Me in the song “Flawless” remind us of the significance of the cross and God’s Amazing Grace.

Watch band member Bart Millard's Story behind the song; Flawless

Read/Listen to 1 John 5:1-12

1 John 2:28-3:10

Children of God

The love of the Father is unfathomable for us, however attempting to view ourselves as children and thinking about the way we love and adore our own gives us a glimpse.

1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God!

In the song Children of God, Third Day sings:                                                          

“We are the saints, we are the children.                                             We’ve been redeemed, we’ve been forgiven.                   

We are the sons and the daughters of our God.”

All Christ followers have their own style of learning scripture and gaining knowledge and insight as to who Christ is. We approach the word of God uniquely. I personally, gain great knowledge of the scripture through music.

We are free to receive the gift of Christian music through the airways, computers, CD’s, MP3’s or I-Pods. If you don’t already, I urge you to turn your radio to a local Christian station in your vehicle, at home and at work if possible. The inspiration of the talented artists who write the lyrics comes directly from the Word.

1 John 3:7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray.

Mercy Me sings these words in the song Greater:     

“Greater is the one living inside of me, than he who is living in the world.”

       

We know the world is sinful and corrupt. Focusing on the word of God rather than the things of this world puts a barrier between us and sin. Our mission is to stay strong in Him and focus on what is good and right and true!

When we humble ourselves to the status of “children” and feel the Grace and Mercy of our God, we will sense the confidence and peace that comes with being a “good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

1 John 2:28 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.

Read/Listen to 1 John 2:28-3:10