Jesus of Nazareth Was Passing By
The Lord is on the Move: Recognizing God's Active Presence in Our Lives
In a world that often feels chaotic and broken, it's easy to wonder where God is in the midst of it all. Yet, if we look closely, we can see evidence all around us that the Lord is actively moving and working in our lives and in the world. This truth is beautifully illustrated in the story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar whose life was forever changed when Jesus passed by.
As Jesus approached Jericho, Bartimaeus sat by the roadside, likely in his usual spot where he would beg for alms. Though he couldn't see, he could sense the energy of the crowd gathering around Jesus. When he inquired about the commotion, he was told, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." In that moment, Bartimaeus recognized the opportunity of a lifetime.
Despite attempts by others to silence him, Bartimaeus cried out even louder, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" His persistence paid off as Jesus stopped, called him over, and restored his sight. This powerful encounter reminds us that God is constantly at work, ready to move in our lives if we're willing to reach out to Him.
So how can we be certain that the Lord is on the move? There are two key indicators:
1. The Word of God says so
Throughout Scripture, we see evidence of God's active presence and involvement in human affairs. Isaiah 46:4 reassures us, "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." This promise reminds us that God's commitment to us is unwavering, regardless of our age or circumstances.
2 Chronicles 16:9 further emphasizes God's attentiveness: "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." This verse paints a picture of a God who is constantly searching for opportunities to support and empower His people.
The New Testament also affirms God's active presence through the work of the Holy Spirit. In John 16, Jesus describes the Spirit as the "Spirit of truth" who will guide believers into all truth. This indwelling presence of God continues to work in and through believers today.
2. Our times say so
A quick glance at the headlines reveals a world in crisis. From senseless violence to widespread anxiety and depression, particularly among young people, it's clear that humanity is searching for something more. At the core, people are longing for three things: love, significance, and community.
This widespread searching creates an opportunity for the church to step up and offer the hope and answers found in Christ. As people grapple with the brokenness of the world, many are turning to faith communities for support and meaning. This presents a unique moment for believers to share the transformative power of the Gospel.
Recognizing God's active presence should prompt us to respond in several ways:
1. Praise and awe: When we truly grasp the greatness of God, our natural response should be one of wonder and worship. Like the disciples who were "amazed at the greatness of God" (Luke 9:43) after witnessing a miracle, we too should be in awe of His power and majesty.
2. Humility and repentance: Encountering God's holiness often leads to a recognition of our own sinfulness. Like Simon Peter, who fell at Jesus' feet and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" (Luke 5:8), we should allow God's presence to reveal areas in our lives that need transformation.
3. Seize the opportunity: Bartimaeus recognized that Jesus passing by was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for healing. Similarly, we must be alert to the ways God is moving in our lives and be ready to respond. Just as a fisherman might discover a "honey hole" teeming with fish, we should eagerly seek out and take advantage of the spiritual opportunities God places before us.
The story of Bartimaeus serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively working in our world, ready to intervene in our lives if we call out to Him. It challenges us to be spiritually aware, recognizing the divine appointments and "honey holes" God places in our path.
However, we must also remember that these opportunities are often fleeting. Just as a perfect fishing spot can be missed if we're unprepared or distracted, we can miss out on God's blessings if we're not attentive to His presence. The time to respond to God is always now, for we don't know when the opportunity might pass us by.
In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, the assurance that God is on the move brings comfort and hope. It reminds us that we serve a "Waymaker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness" – a God who is actively working for our good and His glory.
As we go about our daily lives, let's cultivate an awareness of God's presence and activity. Let's be like Bartimaeus, ready to cry out to Jesus even when others try to silence us. Let's approach each day with expectancy, knowing that the Lord is passing by and longing to work in and through us.
May we never become so distracted or complacent that we miss the divine appointments God has for us. Instead, let's live with eyes wide open, hearts fully engaged, ready to participate in the incredible work God is doing in our world. For truly, the Lord is on the move – and He invites us to join Him in His redemptive work.
In Christ's Love,
In a world that often feels chaotic and broken, it's easy to wonder where God is in the midst of it all. Yet, if we look closely, we can see evidence all around us that the Lord is actively moving and working in our lives and in the world. This truth is beautifully illustrated in the story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar whose life was forever changed when Jesus passed by.
As Jesus approached Jericho, Bartimaeus sat by the roadside, likely in his usual spot where he would beg for alms. Though he couldn't see, he could sense the energy of the crowd gathering around Jesus. When he inquired about the commotion, he was told, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." In that moment, Bartimaeus recognized the opportunity of a lifetime.
Despite attempts by others to silence him, Bartimaeus cried out even louder, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" His persistence paid off as Jesus stopped, called him over, and restored his sight. This powerful encounter reminds us that God is constantly at work, ready to move in our lives if we're willing to reach out to Him.
So how can we be certain that the Lord is on the move? There are two key indicators:
1. The Word of God says so
Throughout Scripture, we see evidence of God's active presence and involvement in human affairs. Isaiah 46:4 reassures us, "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." This promise reminds us that God's commitment to us is unwavering, regardless of our age or circumstances.
2 Chronicles 16:9 further emphasizes God's attentiveness: "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." This verse paints a picture of a God who is constantly searching for opportunities to support and empower His people.
The New Testament also affirms God's active presence through the work of the Holy Spirit. In John 16, Jesus describes the Spirit as the "Spirit of truth" who will guide believers into all truth. This indwelling presence of God continues to work in and through believers today.
2. Our times say so
A quick glance at the headlines reveals a world in crisis. From senseless violence to widespread anxiety and depression, particularly among young people, it's clear that humanity is searching for something more. At the core, people are longing for three things: love, significance, and community.
This widespread searching creates an opportunity for the church to step up and offer the hope and answers found in Christ. As people grapple with the brokenness of the world, many are turning to faith communities for support and meaning. This presents a unique moment for believers to share the transformative power of the Gospel.
Recognizing God's active presence should prompt us to respond in several ways:
1. Praise and awe: When we truly grasp the greatness of God, our natural response should be one of wonder and worship. Like the disciples who were "amazed at the greatness of God" (Luke 9:43) after witnessing a miracle, we too should be in awe of His power and majesty.
2. Humility and repentance: Encountering God's holiness often leads to a recognition of our own sinfulness. Like Simon Peter, who fell at Jesus' feet and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" (Luke 5:8), we should allow God's presence to reveal areas in our lives that need transformation.
3. Seize the opportunity: Bartimaeus recognized that Jesus passing by was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for healing. Similarly, we must be alert to the ways God is moving in our lives and be ready to respond. Just as a fisherman might discover a "honey hole" teeming with fish, we should eagerly seek out and take advantage of the spiritual opportunities God places before us.
The story of Bartimaeus serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively working in our world, ready to intervene in our lives if we call out to Him. It challenges us to be spiritually aware, recognizing the divine appointments and "honey holes" God places in our path.
However, we must also remember that these opportunities are often fleeting. Just as a perfect fishing spot can be missed if we're unprepared or distracted, we can miss out on God's blessings if we're not attentive to His presence. The time to respond to God is always now, for we don't know when the opportunity might pass us by.
In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, the assurance that God is on the move brings comfort and hope. It reminds us that we serve a "Waymaker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness" – a God who is actively working for our good and His glory.
As we go about our daily lives, let's cultivate an awareness of God's presence and activity. Let's be like Bartimaeus, ready to cry out to Jesus even when others try to silence us. Let's approach each day with expectancy, knowing that the Lord is passing by and longing to work in and through us.
May we never become so distracted or complacent that we miss the divine appointments God has for us. Instead, let's live with eyes wide open, hearts fully engaged, ready to participate in the incredible work God is doing in our world. For truly, the Lord is on the move – and He invites us to join Him in His redemptive work.
In Christ's Love,
Pastor Kirk Flaa
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