I was watching a movie a number of years ago – honestly I
don’t remember the name of the movie or what it was about – in fact, it may not
have even been a movie, but rather a TV show. It really doesn’t matter. What matters is what stood out to me about one of the
characters in the story. The
character was not at all a good person, and he blamed his personality flaws on God – or
rather the absence of God. He proclaimed that as a child he prayed earnestly that, if God were real, that he would
physically reveal himself. Since
God never answered that prayer, he concluded there was no God – and the rest of
his life, his character development, etc. flowed from that world view.
God, show yourself. Isn’t that what we all really want? After all, wouldn’t it just be better somehow
if the heavens would open up and God would simply reveal himself to all of
creation? Perhaps he could write his name across the horizon with the clouds like a skywriter or something? Or if not that,
wouldn’t it be good if an angel were to appear to us and tell us what God
wanted from us – or at the very least to confirm that he is real, that he exists, and that we
are doing right by following him? It
just seems like that would solve so many problems. If God just revealed himself, then surely the world would
fall into line. OK, truth
time. If we were all being honest
with ourselves, I imagine we would have to admit that we have all had such
thoughts from time to time and may have even specifically prayed that God would
show himself the way the character in the movie did. It's OK, this is a safe place. We can admit it - so long as we are willing to hear the other side of the story.
Unfortunately, that kind of thinking just doesn’t quite cut
the mustard, so to speak. Putting aside the fact that placing demands and
ultimatums on the creator of the universe is itself a pretty risky proposition,
wishing for God to reveal himself in that manner is a lot like how the Pharisees responded to Jesus. They demanded that Jesus show some kind of "sign" of his authority. Ironically, Jesus actually did show
the Pharisees many signs – miracles, healings, acts of power, etc. Since apparently these were not
good enough to convince them that he was who he claimed to be, Jesus responded with “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for
a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.”
(Matt 12:39) Ouch, did Jesus just call us evil and adulterous? Actually, yes. It applies to us when we demand that God reveal himself to us.
Demanding such a sign actually reveals a pretty dangerous
lack of faith on our part. Many of us may be familiar with the words of Hebrews 11:6
that says “without faith it is impossible to please [God]…” From that verse, we know how
important faith is. However, we
cannot ignore the second half of that verse: “…for whoever would draw near to
God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” When we demand that God prove his
existence, we are admitting that we do not believe in his existence – and that
places us dangerously close to the edge of blasphemy or apostasy.
On the other hand, having doubts is a very natural, human
response to the brokenness of the world around us. So how do we deal with those doubts without wading into deep
and treacherous waters of unbelief?
Rather than demand a sign from God, our prayers ought to be
like those of Moses when he prayed “Please show me Your Glory” (Exodus 33:18). If you were at church this past Sunday
(sermon here), you would know that all of us have access to the revealed glory
of God through the person of Jesus Christ, so praying those exact words are not
necessary. Although they won’t hurt, they are simply not necessary. To see
God’s glory, all we have to do is open up the gospels and see the life of God’s
only begotten son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was the perfect reflection of
God’s character and Glory (John 1:14; Col 1:15,19; Heb 1:3). However, it is not the specific prayer but rather the sentiment behind Moses’
prayer that is instructive to help us without our doubts. Moses’ desire was FOR God. Moses wanted to know God better. He wanted to experience his
presence. He wanted a close
encounter with God. He didn't question God's existence, but rather asked to be closer to him.
What we can learn from Moses, therefore, is that when we are
struggling with our faith, rather than pray for signs and proofs, we should
pray that God would give us a greater desire for him. The more we desire the presence of God, the more we will
encounter God personally, and the more he actually will be revealed to us in a
real, present, and personal way.
It is actually a far more powerful experience when God reveals himself
in that manner than if he simply opened up the skies and wrote his name across
the horizon with the clouds. There
is nothing that will strengthen your faith more than when God draws near to you
– and this happens best when we seek God.
This is what the author of Hebrews means when he says “he rewards those
who seek him.” Jesus’ own brother,
James, said it this way in James 4:8, “Draw near to God and he will draw near
to you.”
Here's what may surprise you... God is searching out for those who are seeking him. The Bible says in Psalm 14:2 that "The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God." And when he finds us desiring him and seeking after him, as it says in Hebrews 11:6, he rewards us - with his presence.
Besides that, when God does open up the heavens and reveal
himself to the world, it will be a great and terrible day. On that day, it will be too late for those
who do not already believe. When he comes, it will be with power and authority to
reward the just and to judge the world – yet another reason not to pray that
prayer unless you are absolutely sure of your standing with God.
So the next time you find yourself doubting – and we all do
– pray this prayer instead: “God,
forgive my doubts, I know your grace is sufficient even in my failures. Grant me a greater desire for you. Draw near to me so that I may encounter
your presence.” You might be
surprised at the result, but you will never be disappointed.
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