In my devotional reading this week, I was confronted with this question: do I want to see God? Sounds simple, an easy “yes” maybe, or an “of course!” But after examination, I began to think through things a little more.
When I am gone on a long day or a work trip, I want to come home to see my wife and kids. I long to see them. I want to hug them, hear their laughs, and see their faces. I want to tell them, “I love you” in person. Why? Because I truly and deeply love them. I love them more than my own life.
So, is this also true in my relationship with God? Do I long to see Him? Do I miss Him if it’s been a while since we talked? Do I miss Him in the mornings if I did not read my Bible and pray? Do I want to see Him? Do I long to meet with Him and hear His voice?
Moses wanted to see God (Exodus 33). In an incredible event, Moses is allowed to see God’s glory. However, God makes sure Moses knows that no one can look upon Him and live (Exodus 33:20) and hides him. This is because God is holy, and man’s sin prevents this on this earth. So, we know we will not see God until we get to heaven. For us to join God in heaven, we must confess our sins, put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and invite Him to be the Lord of our lives (Romans 10:9-10). Then, we are saved, and we will see God in heaven in all His glory and beauty. Jesus confirmed this many times, but one example is in the beatitudes when He says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8) That is a promise, and God keeps His promises.
So, we will get to see God! How incredible is that? But what does that mean to us now – today? Do I long for Him now, while on this earth? Do I long to be with Him? To hear His instruction? To wait in the silence for Him to speak? But here is the real crux of all these questions: how much do I really love God? If I love Him deeply, I will desire to see Him. I will not want to be away from Him. I will want to learn more about Him from His Word, and prayer will flow more naturally. I bet like me, you love God. You love Him so much. But does that love translate into a longing to see Him, to meet with Him?
We will see God face to face one day, but we do get to see Him today in a certain way: we see His characteristics in our lives and in the world. We see His love, His grace, His mercy, His forgiveness, His justice, His wrath, His righteousness, His glory, His peace, His joy, and so much more. All of these are evident, but are we looking for them? Are we so wrapped up in ourselves and in our own pride that we miss it? Is our love misplaced? Are we loving the world more than God? Are we loving ourselves more than God?Are we loving our jobs more than God? Is there a genuine love for God that we desire to see Him and see His characteristics in our lives today? We can love God more by obeying Him (John 14:15). We love God when we remain close to Him (John 15:9). The closer we get to God, the more we love Him; and the more we love Him, the more we will obey Him. The more we love Him, the more we will want to see Him and be with Him.
So, if I may, let me pose the same question to you: do you want to see God?