One of my fondest recent memories is of my seminary experience. After years of attempting to further my education through traditional means, the time and distance involved in such an effort were beginning to wear me out. It seemed like it would take many years and much hassle to complete a degree program.Therefore, it was a major revelation to discover that there were non-traditional ways of attaining a degree. Specifically, I learned of a long distance educational program through a school named Columbia Evangelical Seminary (CES). CES operates in much the same way as the British educational model. Basically, you work with a adviser, and together you construct a program of studies.
My mentor through my Master of Divinity and Doctor of Theological Studies programs, and also president of CES, was Dr. Rick Walston. I first spoke with Dr. Walston over the phone, and I immediately sensed a connection between the two of us. Thus, when he offered to be my academic guide, I quickly accepted.
Over the course of the time, Rick and I worked together in structuring my programs. He gave me suggestions, pointed out weaknesses in my methodology, challenged my presuppositions, and helped shape me into a more effective thinker and writer.
As the years went by, Rick and I had many conversations. As a result, we got to know one another better. This, in turn, led to a number of non-school-related projects. Sometimes, he would ask me to proof-read a paper he had written. Or, I would ask the same of him. On other occasions, we swapped personal stories, or laughed together about something that struck us as particularly humorous. Over time, we interacted about a host of subjects, and for a variety of reasons.
What was happening, of course, is that we were getting to know one another and enjoy one another’s company. In essence Rick and I were becoming friends. In fact I would consider him one of my closest friends and advisors. He’s someone I can count on, whose words I highly respect, and a person with whom I seem often to be “on the same page.” I look forward to many years of continuing camaraderie.
Having offered this synopsis, I think it is important to point out one very important fact: Rick and I have never actually met!+ All of our discussions have taken place via email or through telephone conversations. Though he was (and is) my spiritual and intellectual friend, I have never shaken his hand, stared him in the eye, or visited his home. Though my friend, I have never actually seen him.
Why am I telling this story? Well, besides sharing a little bit about something that is important in my life, the primary reason I write these things is to illustrate a point, which is this: It is possible (and reasonable) to sustain a relationship with someone whom you cannot see. That is, you can get to know and appreciate a person you have not yet officially “met.”
In light of this illustration, it is fascinating to consider the claims often made by skeptics about the existence and nature of God. Some ask, “How can I believe in someone whom I am not able to see?” Others say, “If God were real, I’d be able to identify Him more clearly.” Or, “Your God is merely a figment of your imagination, a hopeful creation of the human heart.”
For those who think these and similar thoughts, I recount my relationship with Rick Walston, for in some ways it mirrors the relationship people can have with God. For instance Rick is, in one sense, very far removed from me; he lives in Washington state, while I reside in Pennsylvania. In another sense, however, Rick is very near to me, a phone call or an email away. God is like that, too. He is far removed from us, an invisible being of unimaginable greatness and glory. Yet, at the same time, He is near to all who call on His name.
Likewise, I have seen pictures of Rick. Some of them show him being serious and others jovial. But in all of them, I get a glimpse of what Rick is like. Similarly, God has given us “pictures” of Himself. We see these “pictures” in nature, in His followers, and, of course, most profoundly, in His word and in His Son, Jesus. As Jesus said, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.”
Consider also that Rick and I have often spoken of getting together some time, that is, traveling to one another’s homes. We’ve discussed the times we’ll share, hanging out together, eating pizza, and simply talking through the night. It is a real hope of ours that we will one day get together. Again, this resembles the Bible’s portrayal of a relationship with God. While we know Him truly, and though our relationship with Him deepens, we look forward to the day when we will be able to see Him face-to-face.
Of course no analogy is perfect, including this one. Indeed, every illustration or parable breaks down at some point. When it comes to God, all an analogy can hope to do is express some aspect or facet of that which defies full explanation. This being said, the analogy provided here will hopefully provide at least a glimpse into what the divine-human connection is like.
If you are a believer, take heart when you are questioned for your belief in an invisible God. Though you have not seen Him, His presence in this world is undeniably real and powerful. Likewise, you can look forward to the time when faith gives way to sight, when full disclosure takes place.
Then again, you may be one of those skeptics mentioned earlier. If this is the case, I would ask you to consider that life is often more complex and wonderful than you’ve imagined. It is true that many of God’s ways are hidden from our view. But what should we expect? After all, He is a spirit being, a non-corpuscular entity, a transcendent Lord. Thus, Scripture’s portrayal of God fits what we find in our daily experiences with Him.
But this is not the entire story, for the elusive God is also with us. Indeed, He took on our nature in the person of His Son, Jesus. Through Jesus, we have free access to our Maker. Countless individuals, including some former skeptics, have experienced His grace, love, and mysterious presence.
If you are still not convinced, why don’t you ask God to reveal Himself to you? Prayerfully consider His ways by reading Scripture, surveying its contents, seeking the One who is both its Author and central figure, and remaining open to the changes God may bring about in your life.
The true God is a God of surprises, a deity whose ways often go against human expectations. One of these “surprises” involves the amazing relationship we can have with our invisible Creator. Though imperceptible to the human eye, God’s ways can be seen, for He has left an indelible impression in many places and on innumerable hearts. Many of us already know this to be the case, for He has “emailed” and “telephoned” us on many occasions. Have you checked your messages lately?
+ At the time of this writing, I had not met Rick face-to-face. Since then, however, I have had the opportunity and privilege of meeting him. ☺
