Making God Visible

Then the LORD said: “I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the LORD, will do for you.”

Exodus 34:10

One of the ways God reveals His greatness is through His people. Here are a few from many examples in Scripture.

Shiphrah and Puah. These Hebrew midwives ignored the king of Egypt’s command to murder the newborn Hebrew boys. God used them to make His faithfulness visible among the people (Exodus 1).

The Israelites. On the shore of the Red Sea God told the Israelites not to fear the Egyptians. He would fight for them. Their job was to be still. Not an easy task when you see a vast Egyptian army marching toward you! God used them to make Himself visible as Savior and Deliverer (Exodus 14).

Nehemiah. By talking and walking with God, Nehemiah accomplished the impossible. Under his leadership the wall around Jerusalem was rebuilt in 52 days. God used Nehemiah to make Himself visible as the Great God. Jesus said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God” (Luke 18:27).

Daniel. He had every reason to despair. He was deported to an idolatrous foreign land with thousands of his countrymen and was hated to the point of a murder plot by fellow administrators. God used Daniel to make His sovereignty and absolute reign visible. Kevin DeYoung writes, “Providence is for our comfort. We can be patient when things go against us. We can be thankful when things go well. We can have confidence for the future.”

John the Baptist. He clearly knew his position. While his disciples panicked that people were starting to follow Jesus rather than John, John was filled with joy. God used John the Baptist as a visible voice of one calling in the desert and preparing the way for the promised King. John beautifully lived what he taught when he said, “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).

You and me. For God to become greater and for us to become less means making Him visible by the way we love God and others (Matthew 22:36-40). Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

HE>i: How are we making God visible to those around us today?

The church is the witness and theater of God’s glory.

Christopher W. Morgan

grace and peace,

Lenae