The Unapproachable Approachable God

Text: Psalm 97:2
Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. (NRSV)

This verse describes the inapproachability of God.  The holiness and pure righteousness of God make God inapproachable.  In Exodus chapter 33 verse 20, God plainly tells Moses that no one can see the face of God and live.

The image of think darkness also gives the sense of our inability to understand God.  When we don’t understand something, we often express it by saying that we are “in the dark” when it comes to that subject.  When you are cloaked in clouds and darkness like on a dark foggy night, you lose your way and your ability to know exactly where you are.  You are unable to perceive what is around you or understand your surroundings.

But this is not what God wanted for the people God created.  God has always desired an intimate relationship with people.  It is our sin that keeps us from seeing God’s face.  It is our sin that keeps us from understanding God’s ways.

This is why God sent his Son.  Jesus is the light of the world that dispels the thick darkness that has surrounded God.  Jesus the Son acts like the sun in dispersing the clouds of fog that would hide God from us.

It is also Jesus who brings us safely into the presence of God with no fear of our destruction, only the melting away of our imperfections and our sins because of the forgiveness we have received at his hand.

Do you want to see God?  Look to Jesus.  Do you want to understand God?  Look to Jesus.  Do you want to approach God?  Come to Jesus and confess your sins that you might be forgiven.

Pray with me:
Dear Jesus, take away my sin that keeps me separated from your Father.  Cleans me and renew me that I might see your Father and understand all his ways.  AMEN.

No Comments