I Only Do What I See The Father Doing • Deshen Daily

So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. (Jn. 5:19 ESV).

Have you ever pondered Jesus’ statement about doing only what He sees His Father doing? Does it mean He envisioned God the Father’s actions before mirroring them? The depth of this verse might surprise and profoundly influence your understanding of the Holy Spirit’s work.

Interpreting biblical passages often requires discerning between literal and figurative language. We look to similar scriptures in ambiguous cases like this verse for clarity. Jesus shared akin sentiments in John 5:30, John 8:28, and John 12:49. A pertinent example,

“I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.” (John 8:38, KJV)

Jesus informed the Pharisees that His teachings reflected His observations with the Father, contrasting with the Pharisees, who echoed what they perceived from their Father—Satan. This raises the question: how did the Pharisees visually perceive Satan to mimic his utterances? They did not physically see Satan or receive visions of him!

So, how did Jesus perceive the Father? In this context, “seeing” symbolizes a deep and accurate knowledge of the Father’s will, stemming from an intimate fellowship with Him. Jesus’ life was so closely interwoven with the Father, yielding completely to His will, that He had an unerring awareness (He “saw”) of the Father’s intentions, plans, and counsels in all life’s circumstances. His guidance did not come from hearing voices in His head or seeing visions as GHe was ministering to people, but from residing in the Father’s embrace, in flawless harmony with the Spirit, possessing a thorough understanding of God’s will and purposes. For instance, just before Jesus multiplied bread, scripture says, “He knew what to do”( John 6:6)—He saw the Father!

Brethren, the Holy Spirit dwells within you; He is in your thoughts, emotions, and desires. He wants to speak as you speak and act as you act. He eagerly awaits your willingness to surrender these aspects to Him, and you’ll be astonished by the extent of God’s manifestation in your life each day.

For instance, Jesus assured the disciples, “For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.” (Matthew 10:20, KJV). How did the Holy Spirit communicate through them? They weren’t receiving verbal instructions internally; their spontaneous thoughts were divinely inspired, with the Spirit guiding their cognition. Christ resides within you, living through you! Be conscious of this truth in your daily living.

Meditate

This devotional is packed with profound insights presented as briefly as possible. I encourage you to revisit and reflect deeply on the truths shared.

Apply the Word

Be mindful of the Holy Spirit’s presence in you: Christ is in you, longing to manifest Himself in you as you, through your thoughts, emotions, desires, words, and actions. Let Christ live in you daily!