And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:7
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. - Colossians 3:15
I was twenty years old, a junior in college, and had just returned from a two-month summer mission trip. Having received financial support from friends at church and a couple of the Sunday school classes, I was now reporting in on what had happened on mission. I hit the first adult class and shared some important stories and a few of the crazy things my team encountered. I thanked the members of the class for their generous support and moved down the hall to the donors in the next class.
My hand was on the door to open it when I heard my Dad’s voice. Peering through the little window on the side, I saw him standing in front of the class. He started to speak of how proud he was of me, how the trip had impacted my life, and surprisingly to me, he shared how I impacted his life. Just then, he paused and brought his hand to his face. I thought for a minute that he was laughing. Then I realized he was crying. I waited a moment, then jostled the door and entered the room. He turned, smiled, and announced, “And Here he is. He can tell you all about it.”
That was one of the best days of my life, because I could feel/experience the encounter with my Dad’s love for me.
Twice recorded in the Gospels (and by no means is that the limit), the Father in heaven made a validating statement to the Son on earth and to all who were within earshot. The first time was at the baptism of Jesus:
And the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came from heaven, saying, “You are My Son, My Beloved! In You I am well pleased and find delight!” (Luke 3:22; cf. Matt. 3:17)
The second time was at Jesus’ transfiguration:
While he was still speaking, behold, a shining cloud [composed of light] overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My Son, My Beloved, with Whom I am [and have always been] delighted. Listen to Him!” (Matt. 17:5; cf. Luke 9:34–35; Mark 9:7)
In these scenes, I imagine a deep and loving James Earl Jones-type voice definitively broadcasting the profound love declaration a father wants to express to his son: “This is my son.” How affirming, how validating, how loving! Proud might be the best word we could use today; “well pleased” was how it came across in the first century. What son doesn’t long for such words? And what good father would ever withhold them?
It isn’t hard for me to imagine that Jesus had more of these moments, receiving more validation and more instruction from his Father. Quiet and private moments spent together, Father and Son. Maybe that is why Jesus snuck off so often to spend some good time with Abba-Dad. Some of my friends whose fathers have passed away tell me, “What I wouldn’t do to have one more day with him.” I suspect Jesus knew this feeling as well and he connected with his Father as often as he could until He returned to His right hand and is now preparing a place for us.
In your time alone with God, ask Him:
Father, how do I see you? What images have I projected on you?
Jesus, how do I see you? What inaccuracies and false images has the enemy planted in me regarding who you are?
Holy Spirit, how engaged am I in this Epic Story? Do I even regard my life and yours as Epic? What is in the way?
