THE POWER OF HIS PRESENCE

Jesus was his ministry. He was God and wherever he was his Presence was there, full of the energy of light, life, and love. As I read about the events of Good Friday I am aware of his suffering and wonder what he must have felt. Here he is, going through feeling abandoned by is disciples, being misunderstood by the people he considered his, being mocked, spit upon, and beaten. Yet, in the wake of his abuse, a man who had his ear cut off is healed, Herod and Pilate end the enmity between them and become friends, a criminal on a cross next to him is redeemed and promised Paradise, and a centurion ended up acknowledging and praising God.

The Presence of God is powerful and is full of life energy. That energy is now made available to those who believe in the Presence and the power. Unfortunately, I am often like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. I know the facts and events of my faith, try and share those facts and events with others, but somehow come up empty because I am oblivious to his Presence right along side of me. I get heady and religious in my walk, distracted by situations around me. For the two disciples it was the events of the crucifixion; for me it’s issues like abortion, religious freedom, or the absence of God in the affairs of our country and our world today. But when my day is spent and I sit at table with him, break bread with him, my eyes are open and I recognize who he is; my heart is stirred as he talks with me through the scriptures; and I know the power of his Presence through the resurrection of his body. That power, that Presence, brings peace to me, no matter what the circumstances are that surround me.

My response to his declaration of “Peace to me” is not to be frightened, troubled, or have doubts in my heart. All has been fulfilled and finished in him. My mission is to witness that truth and proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sin, in his name, to all.

Keep me ever focused on you, in the simple breaking of the bread and keep my heart stirred as you speak to me through the scriptures, in nature, and through others who hear your voice and live your life. Amen!