God’s face-to-face relationship is essential
We were meant to have a FACE-TO-FACE relationship with God, not just a virtual one. This is evident right from the beginning—from the very instant of creation.
“The LORD God created man from the dust of the earth and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being,” says Genesis 2:7. “The LORD God made the man from the soil of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life,” says Genesis 2:8. Everything else in the universe was created by God’s word, but God fashioned Adam from the earth and breathed life into him.
And Adam was alive from the moment of his very first FACE TO FACE interaction with the other. In Genesis chapter 3, after Adam and Eve have sinned, God is seen walking through the garden in the calm of the day. It appears that He has made it a habit to walk and chat with Adam and Eve… Face to face with God was once the norm, but now Adam and Eve have buried their faces in shame.
God’s separation from us
And as you can see throughout the balance of Scripture, God is actively seeking to repair that FACE-TO-FACE relationship that had been broken through sin. This is part of His plan of redemption. He accomplishes this by sending Jesus to die on the cross in our place in order to atone for our sin. In that one immortal instant on the cross, THE FATHER TURNS HIS FACE AWAY from his son, Jesus.
Because of Jesus’ willingness to take on our sin and the punishment of separation from God that we deserved, we can have a FACE TO FACE relationship with God again. The process of repair begins right now, and will continue until the complete fulfillment occurs when we enter eternity…
In 1 Corinthians 13V12, the Apostle Paul provides the following explanation:
‘Right now, all we see is a distorted reflection in a mirror; later, we will see FACE TO FACE. ‘For the time being, I only know a portion of the truth; hereafter, I will know the truth completely, just as I am fully known.’ Though our FACE-TO-FACE relationship with God will be fully realized in ETERNITY, God desires to have an intimate relationship with us in this life.
It is for this reason that He made us
It was for this reason that Jesus died on the cross
And in light of this, I’d like to know what it means to have a FACE-TO-FACE relationship with the Almighty. Even while I am confident in the knowledge that there is still more for me to uncover, I am curious about what else I am missing out on.
God’s Calling and Responding
Without taking into consideration our own particular response to this fact, we cannot dwell on it. For me, there are two aspects to this right now:
- Soaking—Setting aside time to Worship and be Refilled with the Holy Spirit.
The disciples were present when Jesus rose from the dead, and He bowed His head and breathed on them, saying, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’
It is essential to establishing a FACE-TO-FACE relationship with God that we allow His breath, His Spirit, and His life to be breathed into us.
In my opinion, spending time with God means having no other agenda but to be with Him, to receive His Spirit, and to enjoy His presence.
- Talking—having an in-depth conversation with God
Personally, I am being challenged by the fact that God desires to speak with me FACE TO FACE far more than I had previously anticipated He would. I understand that my doubts and worries have obstructed the flow of His voice, His revelation, to me. I ask for forgiveness.
Here are some suggestions on how to go about it:
“Lord, what do you want to say to me today?” write at the beginning of your journal.
You may have an immediate concept or idea, in which case you should begin writing right away. But if you don’t have a revelation right away, wait for the Holy Spirit to give you one—a image or vision, a Bible verse or narrative, a word, a sensation, or an idea. What you see or what comes to mind should be written, as well as what you believe God is speaking to you.
Fill in the blanks with your response to Him. Another question may possibly come to your mind at this point. It is a conversation between you and God.
Keep in mind that whatever revelation you get should be weighed carefully. Continue to study your Bible on a regular basis and always evaluate what you are receiving in light of what God says in His Word.
