When God comes to visit

“ Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you

and close in on you from every side. They will crush you into the ground,

and your children with you . Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place,

because you did not recognize it when God visited you.”

Luke 19:43,44 New Living Translation

This prophetic warning to Israel comes not from a thundering, red-faced prophet, but from a weeping Savior. The real story here is not that He knows what’s coming and is broken-hearted by his own words; the most tragic fact is that it didn’t need to turn out this way.

These words were issued to people who had witnessed the power and heart of God as demonstrated in the life and ministry of his Son. They’d heard the force of his message, seen undeniable miracles from his hand, caught the passion of his mission. They’d had a front row seat in the greatest display of God’s intentions and capabilities ever witnessed on this planet. However,

– they didn’t see how this Prince of Peace could bring it to their turmoil

– they didn’t envision this Healer touching their infirmity

– they couldn’t comprehend how this Reconciler could heal their relationships

– they couldn’t envision this Savior as freeing their tortured souls

And so they chose to ignore him.

 “He was in the world, 
the world was there through him,
and yet the world didn’t even notice.”

John 1:11 The Message 

 Overlooking a visit by God is a foolish thing to do! In our own lives God is constantly ‘paying us a visit.’ Sometimes it’s through the words and care of a dear friend. We hear them, but not God. At other times God comes through our pastor’s message. We hear the message, but miss the personal voice of God through it.

 Or God shows up with a word for our busy day as the sun is breaking over the eastern horizon, but we’re listening to the morning talk program on the radio. Israel’s tragedy can be repeated by us as well … but only if we choose to let it.

 This week recognize God in whatever guise He happens to use. Look purposefully for his face in your day. Strain to hear his voice. Turn down the noise of your world to be able to catch his quiet voice. Expect a visit. God’s in the neighborhood.

And make absolutely sure that when He stops to visit you He finds you home!

Be joyful on your journey!

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