August 30

Knowing God

“Lord, show us the Father. That is all we need.” John 14:8

Knowing God, our Father, is all we need. What a simple concept, and yet we are always striving for so much more. Philip knew what they needed and it was quite simple. He knew that if they knew God that would be enough. What He missed was that God was being revealed to them through His Son who stood right before them. Jesus reveals the Father to us. John tells us that he was the very image of His Father. In fact, in verses 10 and 11 of this same chapter, John tells us that “Our Lord revealed the Father in His work.” The miracles that Jesus performed were really leaves in the book of God. When we study the Son, the Father is revealed. If we look at the example of our Savior in scripture, we will see the Father’s image emerging. Jesus was full of compassion. He reached out to the hurting and those who were considered by society to be on the fringes. He not only healed people of their diseases, he touched them in ways that healed their broken hearts as well. He detested hypocrisy and pride and preferred to spend time with those who were nobodies. He loved all, to the point of giving himself for all mankind. He even laid down his life for his enemies. He never gave up on those he loved, even when they disappointed him. These are but a few glimpses that the scriptures give us of Jesus, and thus a small glimpse of who God is as well. I think the picture that Jesus gave us of the Father in the parable of the prodigal son best tells us who our Heavenly Father is. He is a God who longs for his children to come home. He waits and watches and then runs to them. He doesn’t wait for apologies, but asks for the robe and ring of sonship to be given to him instantly and then proceeds to throw his wayward son a party. For his elder son who is obedient, but distant from him and angry at the treatment his worthless brother is receiving, the father goes out to meet him. He leaves the celebration and goes out to him and implores him to come into his home and celebrate. He desires an intimate relationship with all of his children, but He does not force himself on them. Knowing our Father in an intimate way will change us. We will find ourselves longing for what He longs for, serving as He would serve and becoming like Him. “Lord, show us the Father,” Philip asked, for “that is all we need.” 

Our Lord Jesus Christ, we bless thee for coming to earth to reveal your Father to us. Thank you for your example. Father, continue to reveal Yourself to us in the days ahead. We thank You for letting us get a glimpse of You through your Son. We thank You for revealing Yourself to us through the pages of Your word. Help us to see You working in our lives and revealing who You really are, a God of compassion who waits for His children with open arms. Show us Your character, Lord, that we might become like You. Show us Yourself, for this is all we need to know. Amen