The ‘Back’ of God

12/22/22

The following brief dream had me confused for a time, then the Lord opened up a deeper meaning as I started to investigate God’s peace.

In the dream, I was in a bathroom with my father-in-law, Jaime (he is in heaven, now).  I was behind him looking at his back, when he asked me what I wanted (most of all) from my affliction.  I said, “I want my legs’ strength back”.  He listened and walked away.  Not a word was spoken by him, which made me uncomfortable when I awoke.  Thinking “He didn’t respond, maybe I should have asked for something more ‘holy’!”

What does Jaime mean to me besides our natural relationship?  Well, he’s always helped me, protected me and guided me.  He got saved a few months before he died, which was a miracle.  And he told me in a dream two years after his passing that “He now believes miracles are for today” That was the basis for the name of this website!  I believe Jaime represents the Lord to me in dreams (a father figure God uses to represent Himself in a safe way, aka a Theophany).

During prayer for understanding of the dream, I heard: “Peace, Peace...and I will heal him”.  This is from Isaiah 57:19 “I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near,” says the Lord, “And I will heal him.”

Then, another scripture address was given Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.  This verse actually references Isaiah 57:19 from above!  God was speaking.

Further prayer revealed more revelation from bible stories.  First, I was reminded of King Solomon who was approached by the Lord in a dream.  His response was more ‘holy’ than mine, I’m afraid!  At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?”  1 Kings 3:5.  In verse 9, Solomon asked for an understanding heart to judge God’s people, that he may discern between good and evil.  Verse 10: The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

See why I could be a tad worried?  I did not ask for wisdom or discernment but I asked selfishly for my strength back…hmmm!    At first, upon waking I felt the dream meant God had turned His back on me, refusing my prayer request.  But the Lord continued with more revelation.  He reminded me of Moses being shown His Back!

And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest (aka PEACE).”  And, he (Moses) said, “Please, show me Your glory.”

Then He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”  But He said, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.”  And the Lord said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock.  So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”  Exodus 33:14-23.

The “Back” of God is present throughout the events of the exodus. But theophanies (a visible manifestation to humankind of God) represent events of intensive presence that underline the principle that he is always present with his people and that he is faithful to his word and his covenant.  What Did Moses See When He Saw the “Back” of God? | Crossway Articles.

Wow!  Could this be the Back of God I saw as represented by my father-in-law (being like a cleft in the rock) Jaime?  I pray it is so.  But even more so, I pray that I did not offend my Lord by asking for my healing.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  Hebrews 11:6.