Our Interesting Relationship with God

"Two things we want so desperately, glory and relationship, can coexist only in God."  - Tim Keller

Relationships are pretty important to us. Our lives are enriched by the connections we have to others. Very few of us would intentionally want to live in a world all alone. But, there's another relationship that is important, too. It's our relationship as humans to God. I think it's worth taking a look at.

This is an issue that is given attention to by pretty much all of the religions of the world. In addition to the relational aspect, they also define what kind of God exists. The Book of Genesis starts off by defining what kind of God exists, and the nature of the relationship between us and God; including the rest of creation.

In John 1:10-18, we see John explaining Jesus Christ's role in this relationship. First, it's important to understand that we are not like God. In our pluralistic world, with all sorts of different religious views, the Gospel of John works hard to separate the claims of the gospel from other worldviews.

In John 1:10, John tells us that the human race is so different from God that we don't even recognize the presence of the Divine when we come into the Holy presence. As far as any thought about even remotely thinking that we are in the same class as God, I'd say that pretty much says it all.

If this is the case, then where does it leave our relationship with God? By having this space between Himself and the human race, you can see where it would be easy for some to get the idea of a world where either God doesn't exist, or would be too holy to have anything to do with us. But, it's not like that at all.

In recognizing the claims of the Gospel from other viewpoints, John describes the kind of God who not only exists, but cares about the condition of the human race. The Gospel assumes a world that is hurting and can only be healed through God's intervention. This is why God became like us (John 1:14).

Through Jesus Christ, God intervened in the problems of the human race. Of course, some have a problem with this, but that's another discussion for another day. John, however, made no effort to defend the incarnation (God became human). Instead, he simply explained the kind of God who'd care enough about us to enter the world of creation.

By taking the initiative, God revealed the glory that he meant for us to share. Through Jesus Christ, He revealed "the glory of the one and only Son" which was quite different from the quality and character of life experienced by the human race (John 1:14).

Though you and I are different from God, we can still become children of God. Understand, however, that being a child of God does not come from being human. Since we are different from God, we are not children by birth (John 1:13).

Many think they are entitled, or have a right to a relationship with God. Remember the Jews in the first century? They thought because of their unusual history with God that they were entitled to a relationship with God.

But, John made it pretty clear that the God of the Gospel is obligated or indebted to no one. However, the God who revealed himself by means of the Law given through Moses, offers grace to all by way of his son Jesus Christ (John 1:17).

We become children of God as a result of faith in Jesus Christ, who came to reveal his Father (John 1:12, 18). The Gospel offers relationship, or contact with God. The God who created everything by his Word brought the possibility of a new form of existence by that same Word who became flesh.

Scripture: Romans 5:8; Revelation 3:20; Hebrews 11:6; Psalm 86:15; Jude 1:21

Prayer: Dear Lord, inspire me to get my priorities right and be generous in my care and concern for others, amen.

Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey