The studies we have been doing at home group for the last wee while have made me realise how important it is to view the bible, and God in general, as a whole rather than focusing on specific parts. When you read the New Testament without an understanding of what has gone on, been promised, and been prophesied in the Old testament, it looses so much significance, and you strip away how amazing God is by weaving it all together over thousands of years. In doing this you loose out on seeing God for who He is and His character is limited by focusing on a tiny part of what He has revealed of Himself.
An interesting point was made in our study last night: "Why do we focus so much on the 33 years that Jesus walked this earth, and so little on the whole of eternity before and after those years, which He has spent/spends in Heaven?" Obviously it is great to focus on the direct incarnate Word of God on earth, but I think at times this can become too much of our focus.
God the Son is more than the God-Man who lived, died, rose, and ascended into heaven. Revelation 19:11-16 explains Jesus as He was and is now. He is crowned, sitting on a throne ready to judge and make war. He has eyes like flames and a sword comes from His mouth which strikes down entire nations. He is surrounded by an army of heaven ready to fight. He wears a white robe which is dipped in blood at the bottom (How hard core is that? Jesus's white robe is stained at the bottom from blood as he walks around!). He even has a tattoo on his thigh saying "King of Kings, Lord of Lords." Jesus is currently in Heaven. Not as a slender hippy looking effeminate new-age guy, but as a massively powerful and all conquering King - He is tough!
We need to keep in mind both pictures of who God the Son is, as shown in the Bible. He is the loving Jesus who died for us, and He is the all powerful God of all, the Lord of Lords. Best thing, Jesus meets ALL our needs in who He is. He is all powerful, sitting on the throne in Heaven (Matt 26), yet he promises to be with us till the end of the age (Matt 28:16-20). He is our advocate (Heb 7:25) and mediator (1 Tim 2:5) before God the Father. He is even preparing a place for us in Heaven (John 14:2-3). Who better to have on our side?!
With a complete understanding of who Jesus is (All Power, Majesty, Might, Mercy, and Love) we can grasp how amazing Grace is and how blessed we are to know the truth. No matter what we go through, Who better to have on our side?!
