She Can See God Better

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." (Matthew 5:8)

Katy was enamored of our new woman pastor. She had blonde hair and looked "just like Barbie" — at least to Katy. After church one Sunday, the pastor was greeting members and guests, and she pushed her sunglasses onto the top of her head.

"Mom!" Katy exclaimed, "Look at Pastor! I’ll bet she can really see God better now."

We all laughed, but I wonder how many of us wished that we had special glasses so we could see God better? Sometimes when I get overrun with problems, either my own or someone else’s, I would like to see God face to face. I’d like to know what God wants me to do, what God wants me to say. I’d like to know if God’s face would show approval, amazement, or disappointment at what I’m doing. Would God look at me and sigh? Or be proud that I had finally gotten the right idea? Would God nudge Jesus and say, "Oh, no! There she goes again."

Jesus said, "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father ’ ’?" (John 14:9).

Maybe Katy has the right idea: all we need is "Son" glasses to see God better.

Beyond the Door
1. South African bishop Desmond Tutu has said that if you wish to see God, look at the person next to you. Who in your life has shown you God?

2. What child has shown you God’s love and in what circumstances? Thank God for the child, and the experience.

3. Our Christian faith tells us that Jesus is the clearest example of God’s love. Children catch this truth more than anyone. They have unusual "Son" glasses. What things help us to get "Son" glasses, do you think?

4. God isn’t only like a father to us, but like a nurturing mother, too, as many images in Scripture remind us. Who are some women in your life who have shown you the caring, nurturing nature of God? If they are still living, send a note of thanks to them. If they are part of the church triumphant, then take time to think of them in your prayers, and thank God for them, as well.