While we perceive the image of God through our imagination or the descriptions provided by those who have encountered Him, this significantly contributes to our faith. John observed Jesus as the authentic image of God; however, the life he witnessed in Jesus is far away from any portrait of Him that believers might perceive regarding God’s image. Similarly, Peter, James, and John beheld the transfiguration of Jesus, yet what they witnessed in that moment does not fully represent God’s appearance. Let us seek to understand, according to Scripture, who God is and what His image may encompass.
God Created Man: Man Keeps Creating god
From Abraham to John, individuals have encountered God through visions; however, their perceptions of God during these encounters have varied significantly. There exists a notable element of fear associated with God in the minds of many. Consequently, God revealed Himself in accordance with their capacity to comprehend His presence, as exemplified by the frightened Elijah, who discerned God’s voice in a whisper. Believers often regard one of these encounters, as described by those who have witnessed God, as an outward appearance of God. The descriptions provided in the Gospels lead individuals to confine the magnificent presence of God to Jesus, who assumed human form to redeem humanity. The calf that the Israelite sacrificed in order to apply its blood to their doorposts ultimately became their God. The image of the serpent that God instructed Moses to raise on a pole eventually became their idol.
Hezekiah removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. (It was called Nehushtan.)
2 Kings 18:4 (NIV)
God chose Mary to be a virgin who bore the Saviour of the World becoming a figure of veneration for many. During the Christmas season, the manger where Jesus was born serves as a prominent display, attracting the attention of those who may not know God but still bow before the manger. In summary, whatever God has used as an instrument to guide His people becomes gods to them.
For some individuals, servants of God or Gurus may be perceived as Godly figures; however, they are appointed by God to serve as intermediaries between people and God. An instance of this is found in the experience of Paul and Silas, who, upon encountering such a misconception, tore their garments as a symbolic act of rejection. Moreover, when an individual experiences a genuine encounter with God, they often construct an altar or monument at that location, which subsequently transforms into a sacred site that attracts a significant influx of pilgrims.
Makers of Idol are Similar to their Idol
But their idols are silver and gold,
made by human hands.
They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but cannot see.
They have ears, but cannot hear,
noses, but cannot smell.
They have hands, but cannot feel,
feet, but cannot walk,
nor can they utter a sound with their throats.
Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.
Psalms 115:4-8 (NIV)
The assertions made in this Psalm are not derogatory; rather, they elucidate the desperate circumstances of idol makers, who are unable to conceive beyond their own creations. Since our God is an unseen God, no form holds precedence in shaping His likeness. This lack of capability diminishes the image of God to what is merely perceived through physical manifestations. Consequently, they falsely attribute to God the limitations of fatigue and the necessity for rest to regain His strength. When individuals recall the epistles of John, believers readily draw comparisons between God and the malevolence that reigns in this world, ultimately concluding that the One who resides in their hearts is greater than the one who exists in the world (1 John 4:4). In light of this comparison, believers may mistakenly equate the evil one with God and think that the evil one has temporarily subdued God during our trials, yet it is assured that God will ultimately prevail.
There is None Like Him
The reality is that we cannot compare God to anyone or anything. His grandeur and magnificence are such that there is nothing to which He can be equated. When we begin to comprehend the greatness of our God, we embark on the path to wisdom. By understanding His magnificence and refraining from comparisons with what we observe in the world, we shall receive strength from heaven. The prophetic words of Isaiah illuminate this truth.
Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God”?
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:27-31 (NIV)
Prior to forming an idol or an image in our hearts that reflects the figure of God, if we sincerely contemplate the questions posed above, we would most certainly refrain from the creation of idols. As stated in scripture, after completing His creative endeavors over the course of six days, God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:1-3). Consequently, the observance of the Sabbath commenced, yet many individuals failed to comprehend that Jesus surpasses the Sabbath, as it had, for them, assumed precedence over God Himself (Matthew 12:6-8).
The portrayal of Jesus in the Gospels can cloud our understanding of God, leading people to see Him only as a human figure. John’s testimony emphasizes that Jesus represents God’s essence, not just His appearance, which has been turned into images. God communicated more about Jesus through the prophet Isaiah, and it’s crucial for us to understand Jesus’ identity today. He came to Earth as our older brother to bring us closer to His Father, allowing us to call Him Abba Father. God has also elevated Him to sit at His right hand as LORD. When we think of God as merely human, we limit His power and seek His help in our lives as if He were just a strong person, rather than recognizing His divine nature. Similarly, those who depict animals and other creatures confine God to the animal kingdom, ignoring His authority over all creation. Although God grants us grace, we restrict His power and love to that of a nearby friend, causing us to miss His true essence. As a result, our challenges remain, and we are left questioning His existence.
Who has done this and carried it through,
calling forth the generations from the beginning?
I, the LORD—with the first of them
and with the last —I am he. ” – Isaiah 41:4 (NIV)
The Book of Revelation asserts the current status of Jesus as LORD in various passages (Revelation 1:6, 17; 22:13). Therefore, when it is stated that Jesus is the First and the Last, and we comprehend that God is similarly referred to as the First and the Last, it indicates that there cannot be two but only one. Consequently, Jesus is affirmed to be LORD. In another aspect, the WORD departed from the mouth of God had accomplished the purpose of God, and went back to Him (Isaiah 55:11).
Instead of striving to conceive the face of God through portraits and sculptures, if we concentrate on delving into the height, depth, width, and length of His love, we shall undoubtedly encounter His magnificent presence. This unique experience will serve as the foundation of our strength, enabling us to rise on wings akin to eagles.
The Jordan Valley 
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