"Close to the Father's heart"

"No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known."

(John 1:18)

My son, Ezra, is 23 and lives in Illinois. My daughter, Emily, is 20 and lives in Texas. They were both visiting us here in Southern California a few weeks ago. Now that they're young adults, we don't have too may occasions to be all together as a family. I made sure to get at least one photo with them. When I show people that picture, they're quick to point out that my son looks a lot like me, and my daughter a lot like my wife (though some see connections between me and Emily, while others see Jody in Ezra!).

In the opening chapter of the Gospel of John, we're told that while no one has ever seen God, we have seen Jesus... God's only Son... "who is close to the Father's heart." I love that. I know how close my kids are to my heart. Each one has a different place, of course. There are things about Ezra that I absolutely love. Likewise, there are things about Emily that make me so proud. They definitely are close to my heart.

But what I love about this verse is that people can experience God by getting to know God's son, Jesus. How Jesus spent time with those on the margins, those pushed aside by most of society... How Jesus never seemed to turn down a dinner invitation (no matter who asked him!)... How he helped those in need... how he took time out of his schedule to be fully present with someone (rather than seem rushed and hurried to get to his next appointment)... and the creativity in which he engaged people with stories rich with truth, rather than spouting condemnation.

There are aspects of my kids' lives that have my fingerprints on them. My athleticism and passion for competition and sports... my deep love of people... my sense of humor... my creativity... and my deep loyalty and commitment, to name just a few. So even if people have never met me, if they know my kids, they know a little about me as well. Of course, Ezra & Emily are their own people, and have aspects in their character and personality that are distinctly "them," but the connection to me (and Jody) is still there.

But I can't leave it at that. I have to look back at my own life. How do others see God through MY life? I'm not Jesus (no one is), but I am God's beloved child. I should be exhibiting qualities and aspects of God's character through my words and deeds... (some days I do a better job than others at this). At least I can see Jesus through the stories in Scripture, and begin to model my life, my actions, my words, and my intentions after His. So be it.