#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
Key Bible Verse:
“No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.” — John 1:18 (NIV)
Have you ever felt like God is so far away, almost impossible to know? It’s tough to connect with someone we can’t see or hear with our everyday senses. But here’s the amazing truth: God hasn’t left us in the dark. He’s gone out of His way to show Himself to us in ways we can grasp.
Apologetic Insight:
(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.
God is a Spirit, invisible to our human eyes (John 4:24), and as Norman Geisler often pointed out, our spiritual blindness since the fall of humanity in Eden keeps us from truly perceiving Him on our own (1 Corinthians 2:14). That’s where special revelation comes in—God stepping into our world to make Himself known. Whether it’s through the history of His people in biblical times, the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, or the words of Scripture, God has provided clear ways to understand who He is. As Geisler emphasized in his works, Jesus is the ultimate revelation—God in human form, showing us the Father’s heart (John 1:18). And the Bible? It’s God’s written message to us, everything we need to know about Him and how to live in relationship with Him (2 Timothy 3:15-17). When we look at John 1:18, we see this truth in action: Jesus, the Son, reveals the invisible God to us in a way nothing else can.
Encouragement & Application:
Even when God feels distant, remember that He’s already reached out to you through Jesus and His Word. You don’t have to guess who He is—He’s shown Himself! Take a moment each day to read a few verses from the Bible, even if it’s just a short passage. Let it sink in as God’s personal message to you. And if you’re struggling to understand, talk to a trusted friend or mentor who can help you dig deeper. God wants to be known by you, and He’s made the way clear.
Reflection Questions:
- How does knowing that Jesus reveals God change the way you think about connecting with Him?
- What’s one way you can make time to hear from God through Scripture this week?
- Are there areas in your life where you need to trust that God is near, even when you can’t see Him?
Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for not leaving me to figure things out on my own. Thank You for showing Yourself through Jesus and Your Word. Help me to see You more clearly as I read the Bible and reflect on who You are. Draw me closer to You, even when I feel distant, and give me the faith to trust in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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