WHAT DOES GOD LOOK LIKE? Ask that question of a variety of people and often the reply will include a word picture of an old guy with white robes and a flowing beard. God is referred to as the “Ancient of Days,” and we often translate that into an image of the old man of heaven. But God is no grandpa.
The Scriptures tell us that God is eternal, but that does not equate with “old.” To be eternal is not the same as being immortal. To be eternal places God outside the confines and constrictions of space and time. It could be stated that God “lives” in the “eternal present.”
The God of the Bible, the God we worship, is not some grandfatherly figure sitting in some state of repose in a heavenly rocking chair. Though He is the Ancient of Days He does not experience the infirmities of age; His bones do not creak, nor does His memory fail. God is the all-powerful, all-knowing, sovereign Lord of all. He is no grandpa.
Yet, this eternal God is also a loving heavenly Father. He welcomes His children into His presence. He embraces them in His strong and compassionate arms. He wipes away our tears with power and caring hands. He speaks to us with words of wisdom that our hearts can bear. He is the God who is love. (1 John 4:8)
What does God look like? He looks like Jesus. Jesus, speaking of His relationship to God, said, “No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father.” Jesus, that young, strong, wise, steadfast, obedient Son, He is what God “looks” like. A God strong enough to bear the cross. He is strong enough to bear you up as well.