These words might seem strange to us, but they are so rich with meaning, it’s important we slow down to understand them.
Jesus is not a created being like the rest of us humans. He is God in flesh. He put on humanity like putting on a cloak. The Infinite became finite. The Eternal was conformed to time. The Invisible became visible. The supernatural One reduced Himself to the natural.
The Word did not cease to be God but became God in human flesh. Undiminished deity in human form. (H/T to John MacArthur)
He dwelled among us – like when God dwelled among Israel in the Tabernacle, His presence filling it. It was there that He met with Moses face to face.
In Jesus, we see God’s presence among mankind, meeting people face to face. We see Him making Himself available to all of us. We see Him in His glory, full of mercy and grace.
Before Jesus, God was a far-off God. His presence only experienced close up by Moses and once a year by the high priest. When Jesus came, He made it possible for all of us to experience God’s presence at any time. We get to see His unfailing love and faithfulness up close and personal.
But is seeing and experiencing that all we’re supposed to do? Is that it?
No. In that cloak of humanity, Jesus gave very clear instructions. We’re to love God first, above all else, more than all else. Then we’re to love others as we love ourselves, which means we have to love ourselves as He does. We’re to go and make disciples of all mankind, which means we’re supposed to be exhibiting His attributes so that others will want to know Him.
When we truly experience God in flesh, we become like Moses with faces shining and demeanor changed. Something is different. Some will want us to cover that up and be quiet about it while others will want to soak up all they can from us. Both are okay. Keep shining.
What do you need to be doing today as you experience the Word made flesh? Who do you need to be influencing? Where are you to make an impact? If you’re not sure, that’s okay. Ask the Father. He will instruct you. All you have to do is obey.
Coffee, Bible, Journal.
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