We usually cannot see God directly. In the bible people hide their faces because to see God
is too much. So Moses is veiled when he comes down from the mountain with the ten
commandments, and the disciples shield their faces at the transfiguration. We usually see or
experience God indirectly.
When I was studying theology I had to study the three great proofs for the existence of God.
These are:
1) The proof from design
2) The proof from the Prime mover
3) The Ontological argument
We can deduce that God is often seen and experienced in creation.
But God is also experienced In and through people. We experience God in other people.
1. In wisdom. Real wisdom is eternal and across cultures and the Old Testament is
a fount of wisdom. Some of the books are also called Wisdom texts. Jesus words
are deep wisdom.
2. In miracles. Out of the ordinary experiences we cannot explain.
3. In kindness. Sometimes peoples kindness is extraordinary. God uses us when
we are kind. We become an extention of Gods divine nature. We become Gods
agent on earth. (car)
4. In acts of justice. (Sean Mcdonnagh).
2. What is God like?
1. A man with a beard??
2. A mother hen? Luke 13v34
3. A shepherd? Psalm 23
4. A woman? The name of God in Hebrew is beyong gnder. Gender neutral Elohim
is plural denoting the plurality of God. Numbers 11.15.
5. A dj? faithless has a song about god being like a dj.
https://youtu.be/bhSB8EEnCAM
6. A father? there are many reference to god being like a father in the new
testament. the prodigal son is the best example. luke 15
7. A landowner Also to God being like a landowner. Matt 21v33.
8. A farmer? Matt 13.
9. Surprises? A god of surprises!
Youtube https://youtu.be/RKr-U1r1AlM
Psalm 147 is part of the great doxology, giving glory to God. Early in the passage the psalmist focusses on the qualities of God, his commands, his
trustworthy and faithfulness to his/her people especially when they are in trouble. God or
Yahweh is in command. Gods strength is not in horses/the military/ nuclear arsenal.
First of all we are encouraged to thank and praise God. And Psalm 147 gives us reasons
why it is good to praise God. The psalm is written to a people who are in exile when the
temple in Jerusalem was being rebuilt.
Our God, Yahweh is a God of healing, creative, and understanding, supporting the poor,
defeating the wicked, gathering outcasts, sustaining us.
We are reminded as Gods people to sing again with thanksgiving then God will delight in us.
The whole psalm is in three sections and focuses on firstly the Lord building up the city with
healing and restoration: secondly on thanksgiving and sustenance: lastly the psalm returns
to Jerusalem but with an emphasis on God’s word spoken to his people.
Mark
This is the second healing story in Mark. The sickness of Peters mother in law is not
because of evil spirits. simply something that makes her confined to her bed. renders her
powerless. Jesus raises her/ lifts her up, the same word as used in the resurrection. He
doesn’t say anything, simply takes her by the hand and the fever leaves her.
Touch is important- it can be both incredible healing and incredible damaging- we need to
do it right. Serving is important. More important than keeping rules. Grateful serving was
more important than legalism.
Healing happens where 2 or 3 people are together, are gathered: in the synagogue, in a
house, in Galilee, throughout the world.
Jesus doesn’t say anything he simply “came”, “took her hand” and “lifted her up”. We
often spend loads of time and energy trying to find the right words when what is needed is
simply to show up and hold someone’s hand
We have many people suffering from dis-ease, are we willing to sit with them and be with
them when they are ill or suffering? (Edwige)
Women in the gospel tend to “get it” long before the men.
So in summary our God is a God we see in creation, a God who sustains us, a God of
justice and restoration, a God of healing, who often surprises us and is seen in small but
significant acts of kindness.
So each day look at some part of Gods creation and give thanks and do at least one act
of kindness to someone. In turn you will be blessed
