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In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus made a profound statement about God that highlights His intimate awareness of our lives. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). This statement underscores the importance of inner purity and spiritual perception. Jesus was not speaking of a physical vision of God, but rather a spiritual clarity and insight that comes from a heart dedicated to righteousness.
The inability to see God with our physical eyes is rooted in the very nature of God and humanity. God is spirit (John 4:24), and as such, He is invisible to our physical senses. Additionally, human beings, due to their fallen and sinful nature, cannot behold the full glory of God and live. As Jehovah said to Moses, “You cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live” (Exodus 33:20). This underscores the profound gap between the divine holiness of God and the frailty of human beings.
Though we cannot see God physically, humans can perceive some of His qualities through His creation and His Word. Romans 1:20 explains, “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” The complexity, beauty, and order of creation reveal aspects of God’s character—His power, wisdom, and love.
Furthermore, God’s qualities are revealed through the Scriptures. Psalm 19:7-9 highlights how the Word of God reflects His attributes: “The law of Jehovah is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of Jehovah are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of Jehovah is pure, enlightening the eyes.” By engaging with the Bible, believers gain a deeper understanding of God’s character and His will.
The lack of spirituality in contemporary society is evident in various forms. Many people prioritize materialism, placing their trust in wealth and possessions rather than in God. This is reminiscent of the Laodicean church, which Jesus criticized for being “lukewarm” and self-sufficient (Revelation 3:15-17). Additionally, moral relativism has led to the erosion of absolute standards, with individuals determining right and wrong based on personal preferences rather than divine commandments.
Paul warned Timothy about such times: “For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy” (2 Timothy 3:2). This list encapsulates the characteristics of a spiritually impoverished society that has turned away from God.
Spiritually-minded people are acutely aware of the fact that Jehovah is always present and actively involved in their lives. This awareness is grounded in Scriptures such as Hebrews 4:13, which states, “And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” This understanding shapes their conduct and decisions, knowing that they live before the face of God (Coram Deo).
To endure, in the biblical sense, means to remain steadfast and faithful in the face of trials, temptations, and persecution. It involves a steadfast commitment to Jehovah and His commandments, regardless of external pressures or internal struggles. Hebrews 12:1 encourages believers to “run with endurance the race that is set before us,” indicating a continuous effort to live a life pleasing to God, motivated by the example of Jesus Christ.
Moses’ courage before Pharaoh was accounted for by his faith and trust in Jehovah. Hebrews 11:27 states, “By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.” Moses’ unwavering belief in God’s promises and his awareness of God’s presence gave him the strength to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of bondage.
One way we can continue enduring is by maintaining a strong and active prayer life. Prayer connects us to Jehovah, provides strength, and aligns our will with His. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Through regular prayer, we receive the spiritual fortitude necessary to face life’s challenges.
Confidence in God’s protective care provides us with peace and assurance as we navigate daily life. Psalm 91:1-2 affirms this protection: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to Jehovah, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” Knowing that God is our refuge and strength allows us to face uncertainties and dangers without fear, trusting that He will guide and protect us.
Peter and Jude both warned of individuals within the Christian congregation who manifested a lack of spirituality through false teachings and immoral behavior. Peter warned about false prophets and teachers who “will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them” (2 Peter 2:1). Similarly, Jude spoke of certain individuals who “crept in unnoticed… who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4). These individuals lacked genuine faith and integrity, leading others astray with their ungodly conduct.
Believers should display respect and support towards those who take the lead in the church, recognizing their role and the responsibility they bear. Hebrews 13:17 instructs, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” This attitude fosters a healthy and productive church environment, where leaders can serve effectively and joyfully.
Seeing God as the Grand Instructor means recognizing Him as the ultimate source of wisdom, guidance, and truth. Isaiah 48:17 declares, “Thus says Jehovah, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am Jehovah your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go.’” As the Grand Instructor, Jehovah provides us with the moral and spiritual guidance necessary for a fulfilling and righteous life. It also means submitting to His instruction and allowing His Word to shape our thoughts, actions, and decisions.
Some individuals act as though they are invisible to God by engaging in private sins, mistakenly believing that their actions will go unnoticed. This attitude is addressed in Ezekiel 8:12, where the elders of Israel were seen committing idolatry in secret, saying, “The Lord does not see us, the Lord has forsaken the land.” This false sense of security leads to moral decay and a disregard for God’s omnipresence.
The realization that Jehovah observes us with loving concern and desires to reward our obedience should help us comply with His lofty standards. Psalm 33:18-19 reassures us, “Behold, the eye of Jehovah is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.” Knowing that God’s watchful eye is upon us for our good encourages us to live in a manner that pleases Him.
God observes us with keen interest and loving concern, similar to that of a father who wants to reward his obedient children. This is evidenced in Psalm 103:13-14: “As a father shows compassion to his children, so Jehovah shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” God’s observation is not about catching us in wrongdoing but about guiding and supporting us in our journey of faith.
Because Jehovah observes us and notes our faithfulness, we receive the assurance that our efforts to live righteously are seen and valued. Galatians 6:9 encourages, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” This promise assures us that our faithfulness will ultimately be rewarded, even if we do not see immediate results.
Strong faith in God brings numerous benefits, including peace, guidance, and the assurance of His presence. Isaiah 26:3 promises, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Additionally, faith provides the strength to endure trials, as exemplified in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” This reliance on God brings stability and hope in every circumstance.
It is desirable to have God’s watchful eye upon us because His observation is rooted in love and the desire to protect and guide us. Psalm 32:8 affirms, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” God’s guidance ensures that we walk in paths of righteousness and receive His blessings.
We may apply Psalm 139:23-24 to ourselves by inviting God to examine our hearts and lead us in His ways: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” This openness to God’s scrutiny helps us to remain humble and receptive to His correction, ensuring that we stay aligned with His will.
Our determination with respect to the One who is invisible should be to live with unwavering faith and obedience, always seeking to please Him. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Our daily walk should reflect a deep trust in Jehovah, knowing that He sees and rewards our faithfulness.
About the Author
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
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