Was God Absent in Jesus' Life, and How We Can Draw Closer to Him
When we delve into the concept of God's holiness, it is clear that God, being the embodiment of righteousness, maintains a natural divide from the unholiness of creation. The rift between the holy and the unholy becomes even more pronounced when we consider the actions of Adam and Eve. However, this does not imply that God was absent in Jesus' life. On the contrary, the very essence of Jesus' life is a testament to God's ongoing involvement and love.
Understanding God's Holiness and Its Implications
The divine attribute of holiness signifies God's separation from imperfection and sin. As the holy one, God has the prerogative to distance Himself from the unrighteousness inherent in His creation. When Adam and Eve sinned, it created a barrier that needed to be addressed. It is remarkable that despite this barrier, God chose to maintain contact and deal with His creation, particularly humanity, through the person of Jesus Christ.
Jesus, as the Word of God, communicated regularly with the Father. This communication was not a mere formality but a testament to the intimate relationship between the Son and the Father. Moreover, Christians today can access this same level of communication with God. Prayer, an integral part of the Christian life, offers an avenue for direct communication with God, as Jesus did. Regular prayer, coupled with open hearts, invites divine responses when the time is right.
The Role of the Holy Spirit and Joseph
While God the Father indeed remained apart from the fall of mankind, His actions were guided and facilitated by the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who worked behind the scenes, assisting in the redemptive work of Jesus. As for Joseph, his role in Jesus' life remains somewhat ambiguous in the New Testament. However, Joseph is often depicted as a faithful companion and observer of Jesus, performing an enormous act of faith by accepting Mary as his wife. Some traditions and artwork further venerate Joseph, considering him the patron saint of workers, although this does not detract from the significance of the Holy Family.
Regarding Jesus' siblings, there is considerable debate and evidence from various texts and apocryphal gospels. Roman Catholics traditionally believe that Mary remained a virgin and that Jesus had no siblings. However, some scholars and non-canonical sources suggest that Jesus might have had siblings, possibly siblings of Joseph by his previous marriage. These accounts, while intriguing, do not serve as definitive evidence and their authenticity is often questioned due to their extraneous inclusion in the canon of Scripture.
The Importance of Prayer and Communication
No matter the specifics of Jesus' life, the overarching message is clear: God is always present, even when we cannot perceive His presence. Through prayer and Biblical study, Christians can draw closer to God, just as Jesus did with the Father. The Bible, the words of God, are available to us as a guide and source of comfort. Regular prayer and seeking wisdom from the Bible help us to navigate our faith and find assurance in God's love and presence.
Ultimately, the story of Jesus Christ is a powerful reminder of God's ongoing involvement in our lives. Whether we question His presence or not, God is always there, waiting for us to reach out to Him. As we pray and study the scriptures, we can find the strength and comfort we need to face the challenges in our lives.