After God Show Up
What does God want to add to your story that wasn’t there before?
A Story.
There was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come … The Holy Spirit was upon him … the Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. There he saw Mary and Joseph who came to present the baby Jesus, as the law required. Simeon took the child in his arms and praised God, and prophesied saying: ‘I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people.’
Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Simeon blessed them and added ‘This child is destined … but many will oppose him.’ Regardless, ‘the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed’ because of him.
Let the description and attributes of Simeon sink in for a minute. He was a just and pious man, patient yet full of anticipation; He was led by and in touch with the Holy Spirt. He shared truths: “In the end he (the Christ) will lay bare the secret thoughts of many hearts”
After God shows up, Simeon’s story was greatly added to - he already possessed many traits I'm insanely jealous of, yet he had no problem recognizing the Christ-child for who he was and who he would become.
In your life, do you find it hard or even impossible to recognize the divine image of God? Maybe that's too spiritual for you? Try this. Look around paying close attention to those near by. Who do you see, who comes to mind? Who has God placed on your heart? Now, can you imagine that person indwelled by the Spirit of God, who is all Love? It takes practice, tolerance and expectation to see what we’re not accustomed to seeing. Sometimes it takes resting in God’s presence, allowing His compassionate gaze to soften our heart, to see what we might be missing.
Join with me in this exercise. I picture people I know and strangers I’ve never met. Now, I imagine love gazing back at me from their eyes. I return their stare with Love, letting God's Spirit reveal to them the secret thoughts of a God who shows up.
Join with me in this exercise. I picture people I know and strangers I’ve never met. Now, I imagine love gazing back at me from their eyes. I return their stare with Love, letting God's Spirit reveal to them the secret thoughts of a God who shows up.
A Prayer
Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word. Please, may this light, rekindled our hearts; may your light shine in us and through us. I ask this because of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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