“Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, “Show us the Father”?’” John14:9
Show Us the Father – Part 2
Many things could be said about today’s verse, particularly that Jesus was saying, “If you’ve seen Me, you’ve seen God.” In other words, Jesus is God.
But something else caught my eye as I read this verse afresh—that Philip already had what he was asking for.
At Christmas, the parents in a family know what is wrapped up, already under the tree, for their child. The parents know the child so thoroughly that they have already purchased the gift the child will ask for in the future. Likewise, the child may need new socks or a new jacket—the parent knows the need, and already prepared to meet the need. The gift is under the tree, wrapped in shimmery, silver paper and a big red bow, just waiting for the right time.
Our omniscient Father knows our needs, and has orchestrated our desires to coincide with what He wants to give. Philip didn’t know he had already been given what his heart desired. This is often true in our own lives when we ask God for things in prayer, and He answers in ways we don’t expect or recognize.
“It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24).
It reminds me of the kids’ song, All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth. This song is about a kid who has lost his two front teeth and wants them to come in more than anything else. As we all know, the teeth are already growing, already on the way. One day soon, they’ll show up; but they’re already there, though not yet visible.
We’ve all had the experience of praying for patience. Seemingly out of the blue, many trials then come upon us. We don’t recognize that God has, with the trials, answered our prayer already. He sees ahead and knows how to bring the answer, and has prepared all that is necessary to produce the fruit of patience we’ve asked for.
Our God is wise in all His ways. May we never question His methods, for He Who lives outside the constraints of time has already put into place the very things (within His will) we need and desire.
“Lord, thank You for knowing all our needs and desires ahead of time, and for putting those things in place, waiting to be unwrapped like a gift. You are blessed forever. Amen.”
“This is often true in our own lives when we ask God for things in prayer, and He answers in ways we don’t expect or recognize.” This has happened over the last couple of days. As I was asking God what in the world was going on–He told me He was doing a far bigger work, bringing about a far bigger victory than what was being prayed about in a specific situation. He was breaking chains in someones life that have been there for years…He way is always best, even when it doesn’t always look like it at first glance. Thank you.