If God would be waiting on your living room sofa for you to get home, and you walk in the door, what would you see? A room filled with smoke and fire? A typical handsome-looking American Jesus? An old guy with a long white beard?
In ancient times, a person couldn't look at God and live (Exodus 33:19-23). God's glory and holiness was too much. So, when God appeared to people, he took an earthly form—as a cloud for the Israelites in the wilderness, as a weary traveler at Abraham's doorstep, as a thug picking a fight with Jacob.
But God wanted us to see the real God, and not die. So he took on human nature, while totally remaining God. Full glory, but covered up by flesh. Jesus.
One of Jesus' disciples said, "We have seen his glory" (John 1:14).
God had appeared. People saw him. And nobody died. Well, except God. That's why he came. Jesus—God the Son—took on human flesh that would be beaten, nailed to a cross, and killed. That saving and sacrificial act for us paid the justice for our sins.
Now, we can look at God and live!
There's a reason that believers around the world represent God with a cross. That is the best answer to, "What does God look like? What is the purpose of pain? Can I trust God and be right with him? Can I look at God and live?"
PRAYER: I love looking at you, God, when I look at the cross of Christ. I see your love. I see your person. I see what you look like. Thank you for looking at me through the cross, so that I know I am always forgiven and loved. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Read Exodus 33:19-23. We can't handle God's full glory and holiness. We can't look at it and live. He needs to protect us. Here, God's hand shielded Moses from it. In Jesus, his nailed hands protect us from God's holiness. Meditate on these words, and say a prayer that expresses your awe and appreciation.
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