“Jesus walked on the sea, came near the boat, and the disciples were frightened. But he said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. It’s me.’” (Jn.6:19-20).
“While they were still talking … Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’” (Lk.24:36).
“Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me”—Saul of Tarsus, and I became Paul the Apostle. (1Cor.15:8)
Lord Jesus, not just on the night of your birth, the morning you walked out of the tomb, or the moment we were born from above… but every day in every place in a multitude of ways, you continue “to appear”—to make your presence, power, and love known. You show up in mercy with fresh grace in the shape of our current needs. Hallelujah, and thank you.
Whether it’s “out of the blue” or from within dark clouds—walking towards us in a storm or creating a “storm” to drive us to yourself… you are always near and we are always dear to you. Sometimes with a whisper, bang, or song… but you never stop pursuing, redeeming, caring for us. You meet us through our friends, always by your Word, and often by some unexpected providence.
As wars without and within continue—worries and “what if’s” pester us, old traumas haunt us and things we cannot control mock us—here is our confession Jesus: Our hope isn’t in mere men, chariots, or horses. Our hope is in you—your empty tomb, occupied throne, life inside us, and return for us.
Until the Day you finish making all things new and beautiful… Jesus, you are above us, with us, and for us—Immanuel. Your desire is for us, your delight is in us, and that is enough. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.