Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.

If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him." Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?

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It seems that, since the beginning, humanity has always wondered about God and what he is like. Some embrace the image of an angry God.. some see Him as a taskmaster demanding obedience to His laws.. and while some see Him differently. In one sentence Jesus tells his listeners, and us, that we need to look not further than Him to know what God is like. And if we read through the gospels we see this image of God:

• Powerful Prophet: When Jesus calms the sea, changes water into wine and does some amazing miracles we see that God is not constrained by physical laws.
• Caring Shepherd: In almost every confrontation with the religious elders we see how God views hypocritical religious leaders who do not care for the flock.
• Compassionate Father: Jesus' demeanor towards the hurting, the sick and the poor is unmatched by any religious figure and gives us a peek into God's heart.
• Wise Teacher: The teaching of Christ is unmatched in history. The sermon on the mount reveals to us the true wisdom of God and how He is interested in our heart.

The image that Jesus gives us in the gospels is a glorious picture. Really, would anyone find fault with this picture? Who would prefer the wrathful and intolerant view of God that some embrace? And who would prefer a tribal deity over the One who loves the whole world? Jesus takes my breath away. When I read of his miracles, his courage, his teaching and his compassion I stand in awe. How can anyone not be in awe of Jesus Christ?

Lord, help me to embrace your image today in the way that I live.