by By Gerrit Bomhof
Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” — John 14:8
Have you ever felt distant from God? You might be doing “all the right things”—attending worship, reading the Bible, praying, helping others—yet God doesn’t seem close. Maybe you have felt this way in a crisis—or even in the midst of daily routines. You just wish that God would show you who he is and that he is active.
Philip seems to show that sentiment, saying, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” But Jesus is surprised by this; he says, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?”
Jesus had revealed the Father throughout his entire ministry! Jesus “is himself God and . . . has made him known” (John 1:18). He taught that he is “equal with God” (John 5:18). He also said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). Jesus had also made several “I am” statements, using the Lord’s special name “I am who I am” (Exodus 3:13-15). He had walked on water and had raised people from the dead. That night, Jesus had also eaten his last supper with his disciples, telling them he would soon die and rise again (John 13). Yet Philip wanted more revelation! Would it really be enough?
In worship today we can interact with and rejoice in the risen Christ. May these opportunities—worship, reading God’s Word, prayer, and more—warm your heart to the truth of who God is and how he works in our lives. God has revealed himself and is close to you!
Lord, give me eyes of faith to see you working in my life, and draw me close to you today. Amen.