When Jesus promises the reward of “seeing God”, we immediately notice that the requirement for it is near humanly impossible! Throughout the Bible, we find references made to adultery and the warnings for those who choose to disobey the seventh commandment. God desires for His children to learn to be loyal and faithful because both are necessary attributes to be able to serve God. To be “pure of heart”, we must seek God with our whole heart, mind, and soul, and too many times we find ourselves torn between two loves - God and this world. James asks us, “don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?” (James 4:4) He goes on to say in the same chapter that God desires for his Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts. Only then can we come to Him with a pure heart. “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8) Pure hearts before God require our full and total allegiance to Him.

Although many in the Bible were known to have physically been in God’s presence, or audibly heard God’s voice, we don’t know that any of them actually saw God’s face. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son (John 1:18). It is possible that Adam might have seen God during his time in the Garden of Eden when there was no sin and his heart was pure, however, when Adam disobeyed the Lord and ate of the forbidden fruit, Adam then only “heard” God’s voice (Gen. 3:8-10). Without a pure heart it is impossible to see God!

We live in a sinful world which makes it very difficult for us to have a pure heart. But if we desire to see God, then our desire must be for Him only. Our allegiance and loyalty must be to God, and we must constantly seek to do His will alone. When we walk with God and seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit, we are then on the road to purity. As Christians, our greatest desire is to be with Jesus and dwell in His presence. What greater joy we will receive when we see God face to face! A pure heart may seem impossible on this earth, but if we become of one mind with the Lord and seek Him only, Jesus’ promise to us is “we will see God”!

Suggested Prayer:

Dear Lord, what an honor it will be to stand before you with a pure heart. Allow my desire to be for you only. Give me the strength to live for you in this world of sin and purify my heart before you. I love you, Lord, and my utmost desire is to see you! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. Matthew 5:8.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.