Where is God? Part 2: The Secret Place

(Part 2 of 6)
"Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:" Matthew 5:1-2 ESV

These are the words of the Lord Jesus, from what is called the "Sermon on the Mount." After these two verses come "The Beatitudes," and then a series of teachings.

Please notice. Though crowds were present, when Jesus saw the crowds He didn't go to the crowds, but rather separated Himself, slightly. And notice again that his disciples "came to Him." They didn't stay in the crowds which were slightly below the place on the mountain. This is a reoccuring theme seen in the Gospels. Jesus teaches and serves the crowds, yet He speaks some things that have to be sought out, keeping the intimate truths for those who really want them, and thus really want Him.

Remember what I said about cell phones and email addresses. You don't give everybody your cell number and email address. And more importantly, you don't tell everyone your deepest secrets. You share your innermost thoughts with those who want them and value them. So the first answer to the question, "Where is God?," can only be understood if you are not among the crowds who follow Jesus from a distance, but rather you are one of His disciples; one who has left everything and everyone to follow Him, even if this means rejection, suffering, or death. For to be rejected, to suffer, and to die is what Jesus means when He tells His disciples they must "take up their cross" and follow Him. Jesus reveals where God can be found to those who follow Him.

Listen to His words:
“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." Matthew 6:5-6 NKJV

Where is the God? He is in the secret place of prayer, when no one knows or sees you are praying. God is there, and will make it known to you that He was there by responding openly to what you said to Him secretly. Some of the religous teachers of Jesus' day would pray, or fast, or give to the poor in such a way as to draw attention to themselves from people. God did not and would not respond to this because they really didn't want God's response. They were satsfied with people thinking highly of them.

But if you want to meet God, two very specific things are required, as specific as a cell phone number or email address:
1. You must be a follower of Jesus, one who believes that He is the Son of God and that He died for your sins and rose from the dead; one who made God supreme in your life, whether people accept you or reject you.
2. Go to Him and speak with Him in a place only you and He know about, whether it is your room, or some other secret place, a place where you can be totally alone with Him. Talk to Him and Him alone in the secret place you choose to meet with Him. And Jesus Himself promises that God, who is in the secret place of prayer, who sees in secret, will reward you openly, proving that He was with you there, in the secret place of prayer.

Until we next connect,
Peace.

Where is God? Part 1: Introduction

(Part 1 of 6)
Movies and books where God appears in human form and converses face to face are usually successful. This is because deep down inside we all want to meet Him. We all want to see Him face to face and talk to Him plainly. And we all want Him to respond to us in plain language. We were made for this face to face connection with God.

But where is He?

Cell phones and the internet allow instant and constant conversation connection. But when you dial the cell phone number or enter the user name and password for an email address, you must be exact. One letter or number in the wrong place will not allow you to connect with the person you intend to connect with.

With God, this is also true. His location is exact. The way to connect with Him is precise.

But it is indeed possible to connect with God.

It is possible to know where He is and how to reach Him and connect with Him. It is possible to be closer to Him than any friend just a cell phone away. If you want this, please read on. This is the very reason that I live, and the reason we all live. This is eternal life.

Until we next connect...

Peace.