Do I see Jesus?
One of the most amazing things I discovered, not from a theological perspective but from a practical perspective, is that Jesus is present in all places, at all times, in all situations. People have the idea that they get up, pray and seek God – and then move out and do the best they can the rest of the day, dealing with challenges, circumstances, etc. It’s not true. You get up, get in God’s Word, on your knees, and worship with all your might asking him to sensitize you – but your time with God doesn’t end there – it only begins there. Now, the real listening begins and the real recognition of God’s voice and action throughout the day begins.
You have to see him in everything. If you are his child, and you are right with him he orchestrates your entire day to bring about his glory. That doesn’t mean every event is for the “mission”. Some things are for your benefit – even the hard things – they grow you in some way. Some things he does simply for your joy – God loves it when you have recreation – he’s renewing your body, soul, and spirit.
When you experience the concept of Jesus, he is always present – reflect at the end of your day not just on “missed opportunities” but even more so – What was he saying to you? What was he teaching you? How was he showing you his love, grandeur, and glory? Those things make for a rich and deep life. Mission flows out of your connection with God – the depth of relationship. When that relationship is deep – it allows for deep interaction and a lot of wisdom and power you normally wouldn’t experience.
On the other hand – if it’s just me and Jesus and forget the rest – that ain’t Jesus. It may feel good emotionally – but it doesn’t start and finish with you. When I see him in everything – then everyone matters and how we respond and treat others now isn’t a matter of how it affects me for good or bad – but what he wants.
You can’t know the depth of God’s love and not be filled with joy, peace, and righteousness – marks of the kingdom. Keep your eyes open today, at the end of the day reflect on the day. What did he say? Where did he take you? Who did he introduce you to? What did he do? What does he want to do? What is he up to in your life? You can’t answer those questions if you don’t see him.
Bob Roberts
Bob is the founder, senior leader, and chief spokesman for Glocal.net . His primary focus is to connect leaders and estabish relationships to explore transformation. Follow Bob on Twitter at @bobrobertsjr.
Comments
This is so good, Bob. I love your point that mission flows out of our connection . . . thus, our abiding in the Vine. When we are intimately in relationship with Him, we gain eyes to see.
I have found this to be true in vocation; my day to day work is a ministry when I abide in Him and recognize the Kingdom opportunities all around me. When I get caught up in my own junk, those things are easy to miss.
Also a great point that even the hard things are often for our benefit; to bring us into maturity as sons (Hebrews 12). There is often a lot more value in the suffering than we tend to recognize.
Great post, Bob – thanks!
Scott
Great post Bob! I love this: if it’s just me and Jesus and forget the rest – that ain’t Jesus.
Jonathan
Thanks for the inspired thoughts brother. Really resonating with me. Enjoyed the thought about Him being everywhere with us and our constant awareness of and intimacy with Him. Call you blessed!