27th December 2023
God has come
… “God has come to help his people.”
Luke 7:16 (NIV)
The people witnessing the miracle before them, spoken of in Luke chapter 7, could only respond in amazement. This woman’s son was dead, they were sure of it, but now Jesus had reversed that reality with a touch and a command. How could this be unless he was a prophet or one sent by God? For in God’s creation, dead is just that, dead. But for God, death is only a pause in our reality. God can do, and he can re-do, anything he desires. Jesus spoke of death as only a state of sleep (John 11:11). God has come to his people. He has entered right into our world, his own creation. Entertain if you will, entering your own painting or poem to get a greater look and feel for it, to experience it firsthand. being one with your own creation, as God has done, so that you could get your creation to know you better. It is mind-boggling.
I have been looking into the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ into our lives, and our need and desire to have him return to us here on the earth. When in your life did you not need him? I would say never. When things are going smoothly, we may forget all the things God has done so that our life can run smoothly. It is in these troubling times though, that we are awoken to the reality of our need for God. It is like someone shaking you out of a deep sleep to tell you your house is on fire. You need to become aware of your need to stay close to God. In this season of Christmas, we are reminded once again of his great love and sacrifice for us. God entered right into our world stealthily, but it was not long before he announced himself to the world. Entering our world quietly showed kindness and concern for his mother Mary, but he could not remain hidden, he had work to do that meant our awakening to his presence and our need for him.
While driving recently, I realised I was out of windshield wiper fluid. It was not until I opened the bonnet to fill the reserve that I noticed the two heaps of grass and debris sitting on top of my engine. A packrat, unseen by me, began to prepare for its winter comforts. As it did so, it chewed through my hose. I really find this a blessing because I was able to stop it in its devilish plan before causing more damage. They can work very quietly and quickly, such as our enemy and accuser Satan. If I had some device like a camera to alert me of the packrat’s presence, I would have interrupted his progress sooner. It would be nice if we had such a thing in our life, right? Well, we do, that would be God’s presence; his Spirit within us, and the conscience that he has given mankind. You see, God is with us, he has come to us. And, he has no plans on leaving.
When Jesus woke this woman’s son from the sleep of death, he did it right in front of the crowd. What is that song that goes “It is no secret what God has done”? He wanted it known that he had come to us. He came and experienced our life completely from birth to death. If it were possible, he would have even begun to love us more in this experience, but I am convinced that his love was already to the max.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we praise you for your great love for us. Teach us to love as you do so unconditionally and with such passion. I am so grateful that you came to us in such a powerful way. In the love of Jesus, we thank you! Amen.
Study by Anne Gillam
About the writer:
Anne Gillam is a retired Pastor in Grace Communion International, Klamath Falls, Oregon, USA.
Local congregation:
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