My mother used to get frustrated with me for asking too many questions. She said that in her day, parents spoke and children listened, no questions asked. And there I was, wanting reasons, proof, and evidence. She took it as defiance. Fast forward to grown-up me and that desire has never gone away. I still need proof, evidence, and reasons before I accept something as true. And as it turns out, I am not alone in that.
As a child, the crucifix at church used to make me sad. It made me think less of mankind and feel a deep pity for Jesus in His suffering on the cross. Obviously, I was not yet seeing Him for who He truly was: fully man and fully God, come to save us all.
The transformation from seeing a pitiable figure on the cross to recognizing the King of kings and Lord of lords happened only after I had the privilege of reading the Bible. I am sure God’s generosity had a great deal to do with it as well. He bestowed faith on me and opened my eyes.
“And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.“
-John 20:30-31
Today I am reminded of how my dad used to explain difficult concepts to me when I was little. Things like friction, the nature of water, and why ice floats. He did his best and would always conclude with, “When you get to the higher grades, you will understand why this matters.” He would circle back with me on those topics when I was older, and suddenly everything clicked.
God does not owe us an explanation for anything. And yet He gave us one. It is in writing. God understands that we need to see Jesus in the correct light so that we can love Him, trust Him, be grateful, and remain loyal to the One who risked everything to show us that faith can move mountains.
So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
-Matthew 17:20
We need to see Jesus in the correct light. He is not the pitiable figure I once saw hanging on a cross. He is powerful, courageous, and completely undeterred by the enemy. He is truth, hope, life, and joy: everything good wrapped in one. Without Him we merely exist. With Him we inherit an eternal life of fulfillment and peace, not of this world and yet exactly the kind we were made for.
“and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
-Philippians 4:7
Dear God,
Thank You for taking time to make Yourself known to me. While I know that I am unworthy, it is comforting to know that I am special to You. Special enough to put me where I flourish and grow. Bring me to situations and people that help me get closer to You. Thank You for being a constant in my life. May my words, actions, and thoughts bring You glory. Amen.