|
|
|
|
|  |
Michael Fox CPCC,
founder of m�agine!,
is a professional
coach and trainer,
author and creative artist, whose work has been featured throughout
the world.
Michael is a
Certified Practitioner
of the
Myers-Briggs
Type Indicator.�
Do you know someone
who might benefit
from our weekly email?
|
|
|
Through the man Christ Jesus,
men and women have a deeper knowing of the Father
On the eve of his crucifixion, Jesus assured his apostles: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." [John 14:6-7].
These words stirred a longing within the breast of the apostle Phillip--a desire shared by men and women of all ages: a longing to know God. "Lord, show us the Father," Phillip intoned, "and that will be enough for us." With disappointment in his voice, Jesus replied, "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How then can you say, 'Show us the Father'?"
From the beginning, God revealed himself through nature. Paul wrote in Romans 1:20, "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made..." The testimony of the creation, however, is limited. The magnificent roar of the ocean, the stillness of the mountain forest, the beauty of the setting sun; these wonders speak volumes in asserting God's creativity and power, but nature is incapable of expressing the character of our Creator: his righteousness and his redeeming love for mankind.
Consequently, God communicated to the ancients through the prophets; yet, once again, his ability to reveal himself was limited by the medium he chose for the task. It was only when Jesus was made flesh that men and women could affirm of the Father, "We know him and have seen him."
But the deeper knowing doesn't stop here...
Through the man Christ Jesus,
the Father has a deeper knowing of men and women
The Apostle Paul wrote, "Christ himself was like God in everything. But he did not think that being equal with God was something to be used for his own benefit. But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing. He was born to be a man and became like a servant" (Philippians 2:6-7, NCV).
In the days of his flesh, Jesus grew hungry, grew thirsty, grew weary. He laughed; he wept. He rejoiced; he grieved. He learned what it was to be tempted and tested to the very limits of his ability to withstand. He discovered pain and disease in his mortal body and, ultimately, tasted death. Jesus experienced as man that which he had not experienced--indeed, that which he could not experience--as God.
The purpose for which Jesus was "made like his brethren in all things," was to prepare him to "become a merciful [to man] and faithful [to God] high priest" [Hebrews 2:17].
In time of need, we may confidently make supplication to Jesus, our high priest, and find mercy--the withholding of judgment--and grace--the extension of benefits undeserved. In time of trial, we can find deliverance or the strength to endure; we can find provision, wisdom, understanding. It was only after Jesus was made flesh that the Father, through the intercession of Jesus, could fully empathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15-16).
A deeper knowing.
All of which offers us a "deeper knowing" of the nature of divine love. For in the scriptures, "knowing" often implies more than a mere intellectual understanding; it implies an appreciation of, a loving relationship with, a sense of intimacy toward, that which is known [cf. John 8:31-32].
Divine love then is less about presents, or "to give gifts," and more about presence, or "to be with." Presents can be expressions of charity with little personal investment of time, talent, or treasure required. Presence, on the other hand, requires us to become one with another: to hear, to know, to accept, to stay; to become transparent and vulnerable. Even as Jesus was, when he walked among men; even as Jesus is, "because he always lives to intercede" (Hebrews 7:25).
How was the incarnation of Jesus the most effective means for God to be known of men? How was the incarnation of Jesus the most effective means for men to be known of God?
How might you determine to be fully known by others, even as you determine to know others more fully? How might the one, for you personally, be more difficult than the other?
What's the "one thing" (or, two or three) that you are quietly, privately bearing on the assumption that no one else would understand? What's the lie?
Is there someone, or even "Someone," to whom you have been giving presents, when they might instead long for your presence?
|
|
Michael Fox
m�agine!
530/613.2774
P.O. Box 9144
Auburn, CA, USA 95604
|
|
|
In addition to personal and professional coaching,
m�agine! specializes in spiritual transformation coaching,
employing its proprietary models
--Values, Vision, Voice and Heart, Soul, Mind & Strength--
as well as
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator� curriculum
published by CPP, the People Development People.
Michael's books include
Complete in Christ,
Complete in Christ Spiritual Transformation Workbook,
and Biblio�files.
Coaching fees are based upon a sliding scale. Contact us for details.
Limited scholarships are available for spiritual transformation coaching.
On the flip side, if you are able, please inquire about opportunities
to fund scholarships for those who cannot afford coaching fees.
View our archives!
|
|
|
|
|
|
