[Biblemat] A> Look For The Invisible

[Steven C. Harper]

From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale,
AZ. 

Editor: Steven Harper 

August 3, 2008

Look For The Invisible

 

      Scientists recently reported that the Phoenix Mars Mission lander had
tested soil samples that indicated water had once existed on the red planet.
This, of course, is believed to be 'proof' that life may have existed there
at one time - a theory that scientists have been trying to prove for many
years. Some of these same scientists are seeking to 'prove' that life once
existed on Mars so they can argue for the next jump in their theory - that
life actually began somewhere besides earth and somehow migrated here on the
backs of space crystals and evolved into the complex life forms we now know
here on Earth. The irritating fact about this to those who know better is
that they have spent billions of dollars in the search for the non-existent
'proof' that life originated elsewhere. They could save the U.S. taxpayers a
lot of money and themselves some time if they would just pick up a Bible and
read the very first verse: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and
the earth" (Gen. 1:1). I doubt that is going to happen because so many of
these 'scientists' are closed-minded to the idea that God created anything -
much less that He even exists!

    This Mars mission is but an example of the futility of mankind's search
for answers that are often within view or within grasp because what exists
is simply not what they desire. These scientists want to believe that God
did not create [and that He does not exist], so any evidence to that end is
dismissed without fair consideration. No matter how many times someone may
make the argument and try to get them to consider what God has revealed
within the written word, they are simply unwilling to accept what is said
because that would bring consequences they are unwilling to accept. More and
more, 'scientists' ridicule any idea of God as Creator and mock and malign
those who are willing to profess their belief. Their rejection of the clear
evidence and their subsequent behavior, however, does not excuse them from
the consequences of their unbelief (Rom. 1:20).

    A more familiar example to those who know God's word is that of the
religious leaders of the first century who rejected Jesus because he was not
the Christ they expected or wanted. All the proof that Jesus offered and all
the testimony from God that was clearly seen would not convince them because
that is not what they wanted to believe. That did not excuse them from
having to answer for their rejection, however. Jesus plainly told them that
His words would judge them in the last day (John 12:47, 48) and that they
were without excuse (John 9:40, 41). We should pay close heed to the
warnings about rejecting God's testimony!

    On another note, how many people are wandering around aimlessly in life,
feeling lost and without answers to the problems of life, unaware of the
answers that are within reach? Everyday people, too, are searching for
answers that will not be found because they are simply asking the wrong
question or looking in the wrong place.

    Maybe it is the young woman who once knew of God, but rejected Him and
all she ever knew once she moved out, and began looking for that elusive
'happiness' in physical relationships, alcohol, drugs, or just the trappings
of this materialistic society. Time and time again, she is discouraged and
let down by her worldly friends who use her and abuse her, all the while
telling her they are her 'friends' and that going back to what she once knew
is 'backwards' and only one step above slavery. She doesn't see that she is,
in fact, enslaved by the life she now lives. As soon as the effects of the
drugs and the alcohol wear off, she is once again faced with the harsh
reality in which she now lives and depression sets in once again.

    Many times, her own family tried to contact her and bring her back, but
she always had an excuse as to why she could not come back. In reality, it
was the fact she could not forgive herself and she was ashamed of all that
she had done because she knew, deep down inside, it was sin. Whenever
thoughts of getting out of that life comes to mind, she is convinced by
others [or herself] that her family hates her and only lived to make her
life miserable, so she keeps searching for happiness and meaning in places
where it will not be found and continues her downward spiral until one day
she ends her own life out of despair.

    Maybe it is the young man who once lived in a troubled home and is now
on his own for the first time. Growing up with a father who beat him and
cursed at him regularly and who was always willing to point out his faults
and failures while his mother said nothing, he now hates his family and has
become bitter and distrusting of anything having to do with faith or
religion because his parents claimed to be Christians but never lived it at
home. He immerses himself in music that fuels his anger and hatred of
religion and society in general and it is not long before his associates
have convinced him that the only way to survive is by brute force and the
'take-what-you-want' life. He joins an underground racist organization that,
ironically, uses the Bible to justify their hatred of certain groups and the
violence they use to get their way. Unfortunately, as a new member he is
expected to prove his dedication to the group by committing crimes and he is
caught breaking into a store one night and thrown into prison for a long
time once it is found his crimes were related to his ties to the
organization.

    Maybe some of these things describe you or someone you know and maybe
they don't, but you might just have something in common with them and not
realize it. Maybe you - like these two examples above - are looking for
something, but you don't know what it is or where it is found. Maybe you are
convinced that God is not the answer because of some very poor examples you
have seen or known, but think only things or people or something you can see
and touch and feel can make you happy. My plea is that you stop looking for
happiness in the things you can see and start looking for the invisible.

    You see, many years ago, God told man that He would one day be found by
a people who were not looking for Him even as He was rejected by people who
knew Him better than anyone, but thought that they had no need of Him (Isa.
65:1-5). The people who told Him to go away were the ones who should have
been seeking Him but they did not desire to find Him; the people who were
not searching for God found Him because He was looking for them! God was
waiting for the day when He would send His Son to die for the sins of all
men (1st John 2:2) and those who were previously far from God and His
enemies could now be adopted into His family.

    Though you may not be searching for God, He is searching for you. Though
you may not think or know that you are spiritually lost, He knows - and He
doesn't want you to stay that way (2nd Pet. 3:9). And those answers you are
looking for? He has those, too. I know you are wondering how that could be
since you don't even know the questions or what exactly you're looking for,
but God knows and He wants to help you - if you would just listen to what He
has to say. Admit that the material things of this life did not bring you
happiness and your so-called friends have not made your life better at all.
You don't necessarily have to go back to a bad situation, but admit where
you are now is not what you need.

    Instead of looking for happiness in the visible, material things, or in
earthly relationships, look for the invisible. Seek God and He will be
found. He is the answer.

            If we can help you in that search, please let us know. We may
not have the answers, but God's word does.             -- Steven Harper

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