Scripture

“But will God really live on earth? Why, even the highest heavens cannot contain YOU. How much less this Temple I have built!

I Kings 8:27, NLT

Quote

There is always more than meets the eye.

~W.H. Auden

I think about God’s transcendent nature a lot. When we talk about transcendence, we are talking about existence or experience beyond the normal, natural or physical level. From its Latin roots, the word transcendence means climbing or going beyond. In theology, transcendence refers to the aspect of God’s nature and power which is wholly independent of the material universe, beyond all physical laws and beyond human imagination. In other words, God is not only greater than His creation; His existence doesn’t depend upon it. The Bible speaks often of two totally different realms–the physical and metaphysical or natural or supernatural. The natural world is visible and audible but the supernatural is invisible and inaudible. I am not discounting miracles: there have been times when the supernatural was audible and visible. John 12:27-29 is a good example:

“Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name.” Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to My name, and I will do so again.” When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to Him {Jesus}.

To deny the metaphysical or spiritual realm simply because we can’t see it is a mild form of insanity. Personally, I have never seen an angel or heard God speak audibly but that doesn’t mean it has not or cannot happen. God spoke audibly to the Israelites one time, and it scared them to death. Peter, James, and John heard God speak audible on the mount of transfiguration. There are many stories in the Bible about angels and their ability to appear as men. Hebrews 13:2 says, Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Have you shown kindness to an angel? There is always that possibility that you did and didn’t realize the person was an angel. Angels for the most part choose to be quiet and to remain invisible. They work behind the curtains. The fact that you and I don’t see them or hear them does not mean they do not exist. I have never seen a ‘germ’; does this mean that germs do not exist. One highly education medical doctor told his patient, “I don’t believe in anything I cannot see.” “Then,” said the patient, “You don’t believe in pain.” The arrogant doctor was stunned; how could an uneducated common person make such an observation. The patient went on to say, “Have you ever seen pain Doc? Could you draw me a picture of pain on a sheet of paper?” Finally, a wave of humility overwhelmed the doctor and he said, “I guess you are right: I have never seen pain and I cannot tell you what it looks like but I know it is real.” Isaiah 52:15,  “And He {Jesus} will startle many nations. Kings will stand speechless in his presence. For they will see what they had not been told; they will understand what they had not heard about.” They will see what they have not seen and hear what they have not heard.

Extra

I am on the home computer and the last time I tried to post from it, it didn’t work but here goes. Today, I hope is my last day on the Grand Jury, at least for a while.