Relational Revelation

Studying the Gospel of John this last week has been refreshing and revelational.
It is one of the amazing things about scripture that I love - God never runs out of fresh "down and dirty" revelation. He is always seeking to bring deeper revelation of Himself and His relationship to us. I have been struck this week with the incredible lengths at which the God of the universe goes to communicate to us that it is relationship that He wants with us. He created us so that we could join His Family. So often Christianity seems to focus on the separation we have with God rather than the invitation God gives to be a part of His family. The level of intimacy God wants with us, the invitation to relationship is what gives me my identity – not the outward obedience – my acceptance of His love, His intimacy is what empowers me to live life to the fullest. A friend once said that the remedy for sin is to join the Family. The antidote to sinning is receiving the love offered to you. It is so true that in a place of healthy relationship, sin cannot survive. God calls us into His Family - a healthy Family, full of love, intimacy and acceptance - it is in those relationships that we live life abundantly.

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long the world will not see me anymore,but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you" -John 14:18-20

You can't get more intimate and relational than that - How did we get so far away from that life-giving good news. Sin, shame, guilt, etc. all dissolve before an open-armed Father, Son and Holy Spirit who come to us, welcome us and make their home with us ! (John 14:23)