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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: PLEAD (11/30/23)
Matthew sat up straight, every muscle tense, his eyes glued to the judge. He knew he was guilty—his crime didn’t seem so bad comparatively, but it could involve jail time. Matthew watched as the judge looked sternly at each defendant. Did he ever smile, Matthew wondered.

Matthew jumped, and his heart began to race as he heard his name announced. His mouth was dry as he reached his place before the judge. Then he felt the brush of his attorney stepping up beside him. Thank God, he did not have to speak, the attorney would be pleading for him.

That scenario reminds me of my earliest thoughts about God the Father. I often heard fervent evangelists give warning about standing before a stern God ready to condemn. But Jesus steps up for the rescue, defending me as one of His. God was the stern judge, Jesus was my loving rescuer.

Then one day—I was an adult— I was reading John’s Gospel, the fourteenth chapter. Philip, one of Jesus’ disciples said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered, “Don’t you know me, Philip…Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:8-9 NIV)

I was astounded! Why had I not seen this before? God the Father is as compassionate as Jesus with the Samaritan woman and the woman taken in adultery. God the Father is just as fun-loving and kind as Jesus who called the little children to come to him. He is all-powerful, yet all-loving, He is sometimes angry, yet righteous, patient, and quick to forgive. He set up the plan to make me His child a long time ago—at Calvary. Why would I not embrace a God like that?

If you are struggling with a concept of God that makes you shrink away from Him, pick up your Bible and begin looking at Jesus. When you see Him, you will see the Father.


NIV John 14, Exodus 34:6, Psalm 145:17, Isaiah 40:6-7, Luke 15:11-24, 2 Peter 3:9
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Laurie Kiel 
12/13/23
I loved this! The image of the courtroom and then the segue to if you have seen me you have seen the Father. Excellent job on addressing incorrect perceptions of God the Father and a great closing line. Well done.