I am sure many readers will have heard the story of the teacher, having asked the class to draw someone, approached one child and asked her who she was drawing. The girl replied that she was drawing God and the teacher responded, “No one knows what God is like”. The girl replied, “They will when they see my drawing”.
I was reminded of this when reading a recent commentary on my Bible app based on a few verses from Hebrews chapter 12. The writer started with this comment, “We have a lot of wrong ideas about God. Contrary to what some believe, God is not our buddy. He is not an overindulgent grandfather who lives in the sky. He is not a spiritual genie who will grant our every wish. Hebrews 12 verse 29 directs us to think of God with reverence and awe.”
Jesus, as God “contracted to a span indescribably made man”, is not always seen as the “Gentle, meek and mild” person of the Christmas carol. He rebuked Peter with his “Get thee behind me Satan” and demonstrated his response to the abuse of the temple space by clearing the market traders. Yet, this wonderful person wept with grieving sisters and performed miracles ranging from changing water to wine and raising the dead.
I have to remind myself, that God is still as holy, whether we look at the Old or New Testaments. He does not lower his standards and make an exception for me, rather through the completed work of Jesus He is enabling me – and us as Christians – to become more like Him. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we can be changed from what we are to what He wants us to be.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, may we never lose sight of your holiness, but rather seek to respond to your guidance in becoming more like you. AMEN