TGIF, Freebies!
Happy Friday to you. So, yesterday I had a rather eye-opening revelatory moment while reading the book of John. For years, I've heard pastors preach about how God speaks primarily through the word, and while that hasn't been my experience, I've been curious about how he communicates through reading.
I'm more of a dreamer and visionary kind of gal. I hear God in dreams, visions, and through feelings most of the time. But, I know people who rave about hearing God through the word.
Curiosity and my desire to listen to him in different ways have recently led me on a new journey.
So, I started rereading the Bible, beginning in the 2nd half (the new testament), and then I'll read the old testament next.
My 38th birthday is around the corner, and one of my personal goals is to finish the entire Bible again this year. So far, I've read it 2x in my life, but it's been well over nine years since my last start to finish read. And now, I am 9 years older and a bit wiser in my faith.
Therefore, I expected this read to hit differently, and Sis, has it ever!
The revelation that I had yesterday was confirmation to see Jesus and God as the same, which has been a struggle for me. I've always seen God as a parent, judge, and disciplinarian. And, if I can be honest, as angry. It also doesn't help that I was raised in a Hebrew temple with divisive and cult-style teachings.
As a child, I repeatedly was made to believe that God was upset with me and that I was cut off from him. Growing up, I felt like, dang, what's the point of a relationship if God is always going to be mad with me.
It wasn't until around 2007, just after my 23rd birthday, that a girlfriend introduced the idea, purpose, and love of Jesus to me. Jesus had been the missing link in the "point" of trying to have a relationship with God.
I talked a little about the purpose of Jesus in this blog here. But in case you missed it, in short, Jesus came to earth to die for us (our sins). His death reconciled us into a relationship with an "angry God." And, because God gave us Jesus (his only Son to die), he isn't so "angry" after all, but actually loving.
But, what has kept my panties in a bunch is the notion that God is Jesus and they are the same. However, my lens of how I see them is very different.
The Trinity: God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit combined are the stars of the Trinity (I'll break down the Holy Spirit and the Trinity another time). But if you're into sports, think of the Trinty like MJ, Scottie, and Dennis or Bosh, Bron, and Wade.
Consider Beyonce, Michelle, and Kelly, even for my younger readers. The Trinity is a fire trio that works well together, producing an epic outcome or partnership. Everyone's role is unique but equally important to make greatness.
BUT!!!! When it comes to the Holy Trinity, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit play individual roles in our lives, but they are the same (person). Hard to fathom, right? Well, if God can impregnate a virgin, and Jesus can raise people from the dead, anything is possible.
My problem has been seeing my loving big brother and Savior Jesus the same as the "angry God" introduced to me as a kid.
Sis, it wasn't until yesterday morning (12 years later) while reading John chapter 14 that Jesus and God came alive as one. An overwhelming sense of awe swept through my heart, reading what was happening.
The chapter opens with Jesus letting his disciples know that he'll be going soon. And, they're like, where are you going? Jesus is like, to my Father's house, to prepare a place for you but don't trip; I'll be back to scoop you when everything is ready. And, you already know how to get there.
Thomas, a disciple, is like we don't know where you're going, so how can we know the way. Jesus responds that he is the way and the way to get to the Father. So then, another disciple, Philip, hops in like well can you show us your Father at least, and we'll be good.
It was Jesus' response that personally took me out, changing everything.
John 14:9-14
Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us."
9 Jesus answered: "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. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?
10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.
11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.
12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Verses 10 and 11 provided a transformational shift allowing my heart for the first time to feel and see Jesus and the Father being one. I've heard it my entire adult walk with Christ, but that was the moment it became my reality.
After verse 14, Jesus goes on to tell them about the third part of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit.
I don't know where you are personally with your faith or knowledge of the Trinity or God's unique roles in your life. I don't know how you see Jesus or God the Father.
But, what I do know is that God changed my heart through reading the word yesterday, and it felt FREEING. I can now accept and see God the Father in a more loving and compassionate light (how I see Jesus) than how I've previously seen him.
This revelation changes EVERYTHING and destroys any walls I've put up (subconsciously) to keep God out. The more I see God (the Father) in a loving light like I see Jesus, I'm more inclined to trust and love him.
I just wanted to share this with you, and I hope the more you love and learn about Jesus, you can keep that same energy towards God.
I also pray my revelation blesses you. Go back and read the book of John.
It's a game-changer! I pray God speaks while you read.
Until next time.
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XoXo,
Coach Rahk
