Images of God

Scripture Passage: Colossians 1:15
"He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all 
creation."


"How can I pray when I don't even know what God looks like?"

This could be one of the reasons why many of the world's religions 
made images of God; so they might have something physical to pray to.  For example, in the Chinese culture, there are many assorted 
idols/statues placed in homes.  They burn joss sticks and placed food 
in front of the idols/statues.

The way we perceive God affects our prayer life.  Like a child who was taught the Lord's Prayer: "Our Father, who art in heaven..." would perceive God like a "Father."  If, however, the child's father has been, say, harsh, cruel or not being a responsible father, then the 
child's perception of God may well have been distorted from a very 
early age. This is because words like "Father" which is used to 
describe God--play a major part in formulating our perception of God, whether we realize it or not.

So, how are we to perceive God as we carry on in our daily prayer 
life and in our everyday living with the Lord since none of us have 
seen God?  Paul wrote in the above passage, "He [Jesus] is the image 
of the invisible God..." Being the image of the invisible God, Jesus 
is the representation of God. We must therefore bring our many images of God alongside with the lifestyle, personality and teachings of Jesus.

As I share my notes on the images of God, I'm also reminding myself 
to have a right perception of God.  It is also my prayer, that as we 
look together at the images of God, may our awareness of God become more biblical, more real in our lives and more trusting--so that our relationship with Him will deepen as we walk with Him in our 
Christian faith.

Grace and peace,
Elaine