Just a Glimpse

Have you ever heard the songs, read the devotionals, or listened to the sermons that passionately proclaim with desperation, "Oh Lord, if we could only see a glimpse of your face or a snippet of your glory, we will be satisfied!"? Have you vehemently declared such things yourself? I know I have... but all that speech changed one day when I recognized that a "glimpse" was just not enough.

I mean... would you want the God of the universe to break through the clouds, enter your sphere in plain sight, and you just get a glimpse of Him? I sure wouldn't! Do we sing and pray such things because we believe God to be so stand-offish and impersonal that He would rather be left alone? Do we think He just likes to hear us beg and watch us grovel in the dirt of mystery concerning the One who resides in the heavens arrayed in light? Maybe we believe God likes to be hidden, but that couldn't be farther from the truth.

I have news for you: Just the fact that you love God enough to cry out for Him makes Him want to make Himself known to you. Jesus says in John 14:21, "...he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." According to Strong's Concordance, that word 'manifest' in this Scripture means to exhibit (in person) or disclose (by words), appear, declare (plainly), etc. In other words, God wants to reveal Himself, show Himself, to those who love Him. 

God is not hiding His face from us. In the Old Testament, God's people were bound by a covenant that was based on the actions of the people. Sin versus righteous deeds determined one's relationship with God, and in many cases, sin ruled and separated the people from God. In the New Testament, God's covenant with us is based on us receiving the rewards for the deeds done by His Son while on earth. (He was PERFECT!) We are no longer held captive by the bondage of sin, and God no longer has to deal with us as sinners who have no real relationship with Him. 

Even in the days of the Old Testament, God longed to show Himself. He first planned to meet with the Israelis who refused to come close. Then He showed Moses as much as He possibly could considering the circumstances simply because Moses asked, but He let Moses in on a little secret: "I am the God who wants to show mercy to my people," He tells Moses. (Exodus 33:19 my paraphrase)

Jehovah finally gets His way! He can be compassionate and merciful. He can show Himself to us and have real relationship with whomever will come near! He has opened Himself up to be known, but only for those who have a heart to seek Him and know Him.

A glimpse is not enough! I want to fully gaze on His face and look into those fiery eyes! No, I will not be satisfied with a peek at God from a distance, nor I will be content to experience a meager portion of His glory! No... I must see Him fully, touch Him with my hands, and know Him completely! God will oblige me and grant my request. He will grant yours, too, if it's Him you're looking for.