Do You Wanna See God?
Introduction
When reading a book, I begin with the index and read through to the last page. I have friends who read the last chapter first so they know how it ends. Some tell me they if the end is not the kind they like, they don't read any further. Perhaps, that is the reason I read from the front to back, I want to get there and see the ending. Sometimes, I would like a different ending but the one that is there usually fits the story whether it my preference or not.
In the reading from Acts, where we are drawn a word-picture of the stoning death of Stephen, is like reading the last chapter first and the ending is not what we like to read and think about in the Bible. Still, here it is, the story of Stephen's being filled the the Holy Spirit and of preaching to the religious leaders Jesus had preached to and the end is a crucifixion and a stoning.
The Last Chapter
If you take the stoning of Stephen as the last chapter of this book you need to have some idea of the chapters that precede this particular event.
The Immediate Past for Stephen
As far as I can tell, Stephen never had any contact with Jesus. Of course, he could have been a follower but his work is taking place among the Greek converts who did not live in the area of Jesus' ministry. So, I suspect that Stephen was filled with the Spirit as he listened to the original disciples allowing himself to be led.
He was upsetting some of the Jewish leaders in his area and they carried him off to the religious authorities for trial. Read the 6th and 7th chapters of Acts and Luke shares some of what was said. I want to share these words: “And it was finally King Solomon who built a house for God. But the Most High God doesn't live in houses made by humans. It is just as the prophet said, when he spoke for the Lord, "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? In what place will I rest? I have made everything." You stubborn and hardheaded people! You are always fighting against the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors did. Is there one prophet that your ancestors didn't mistreat? They killed the prophets who told about the coming of the One Who Obeys God. And now you have turned against him and killed him. Angels gave you God's Law, but you still don't obey it. When the council members heard Stephen's speech, they were angry and furious.” (Acts 7: 47-54) You know the rest of the story because Roy read it to us.
Keep in mind that it is recorded that Stephen saw Jesus standing next to God. Furthermore, he invited those around him to see them and their response was to cover their ears and make loud noises. It appears they had a chance to experience God's Spirit and even see God but because what they were hearing and what they might see did not fit their way of thinking they turned away.
Earlier Chapters
Jesus is giving his disciples a crash course on what they had experienced during their time with him. Jesus wants them to know that there is no power, nothing on earth, that can take away what they have been given – they have been taught by and they have lived with God. Jesus wanted them to know they were to become The Way.
Finding the Way - Thomas
Thomas lets Jesus know that they don't understand what he's taking about and certainly they don't know the way Jesus is taking. Jesus' reply is one that we need to keep always in our awareness, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Jesus states that there is no way to get to God except through the Way, the Truth and the Life – through Jesus.
Cut to the Chase – Philip
Philip next asks for what I believe most people would want to happen – proof. Just show us God and we will be satisfied. Jesus opens the door and states what we believe is obvious but what must have been like dropping a bomb to them. Jesus tells them, and us, that if you have seen me then you have seen God.
We See God When We See Jesus
I believe it is as true today as it was that day with the disciples. It is true that when one has seen Jesus you have seen God. When we see Jesus our lives are never the same.
But How Can We See Jesus Today?
For years, I've known that there is more to believing than our saying the words, “I believe in Jesus.” You see, believing in Jesus is defined in this passage with the disciples. I've never noticed this before but in verse 12 Jesus actually defines what it means to believe in him: "Truly, truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater works than these because I am going to the Father.”
Believing is not the words we speak but the life we live! Believing is actually doing the works of Jesus, and then the impossible to believe, works greater than the ones he did. So, if you want to see God be about the works of Jesus.
How Can We Do Greater Works Than Jesus?
Even though I don't think I even responded, and I apologize for not saying something, one of the Bible Study participants asked, “But how can we do the works of Jesus, much less greater works?” This is a most challenging question and I want to respond in as challenging manner as I know how.
One of the things that Jesus made clear with his exchanges with Thomas and Philip is that I'm not going to give you a list of things that you can check off in order to measure how well you're doing. I will not give you a list of things that you must believe about me or about God that you can use to say, “I've arrived.” I'll not even give you a “how to” book that you can use in order to understand me. Indeed, to do my works, to believe in me, is to enter into a relationship with me and live the way I live. You are called to enter into a living relationship with me which will demand growth throughout your entire life. Through your very last breath you will be learning from me.
His Way of Living
In his book titled, Living the Resurrection, Eugene Peterson points out that Jesus follows what might be called a ritual with his followers. Jesus takes one of the most ordinary parts of daily life, meals, and provides clues to his way of life that I believe we can follow. Peterson points to four verbs that Jesus used in a pattern of living: took, blessed, broke, and gave. Let me loosely apply this to our daily lives.
Took
Jesus took what folks brought to him. He called people others overlooked because he had eyes that see differently than others. We can do the same. We can take what others bring to us. Too often, we want people to be at “our level” or have “our beliefs” or whatever we can find that makes us comfortable. One of our members left last week saying, “I'm going to start going to bars because I think that's where I can find unchurched folks.” The Reverend John Rutland, Sr. did just that and I say, go and take what those you meet have to offer.
Blessed
Lift what they bring to God to be blessed. No matter what they bring, ask God to bless it as well as who they are.
Broke
Jesus broke through the surface with those who ate with him. They were not allowed to stay superficial with Jesus – neither are we. Now, I don't mean argue with others trying to prove oneself right or righteous. But be ready to share how God has blessed your life and offer that to the other person. The cost may be embarrassment, confusion, or even confrontation but the Spirit will lead the way. Remember, we are seeing Jesus as we bring his Spirit to others.
Gave
Jesus gives back whatever is brought him transformed. We can give back to others who they are by being respectful and loving.
Conclusion
We don't try to make others into what we want them to be but we bring them in contact with the Spirit. God does the transforming. Jesus does the transforming. The Holy Spirit does the transforming. We set the table and invite others to join us. This is how we are able to see God by doing the works of Jesus. Do you wanna see God? “Why, Yes.” Meet God by doing the works Jesus did.