Experiencing God's Presence #225

“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.

John 20:28

Does Scripture really claim that Jesus is God incarnate? Many people say no because Jesus never explicitly said, “I am God.” But the Bible affirms His deity in many other ways: calling the Messiah “Immanuel,” which means God with us; reporting Jesus’ statements that He and the Father are “one”; and describing the many instances in which someone worshiped Jesus directly. Someone who was simply a good teacher would never accept worship if He wasn’t divine, but Jesus always did. Wise men, a Gentile woman, a blind man who had been healed, women at the tomb, and His own disciples bowed down and praised Him. Thomas even called Him “my Lord and my God.”

In God’s Presence, this is a normal reaction. Many people saw Jesus only as a self-styled prophet or a religious instigator—they argued with Him, tried to trap Him with trick questions, and insulted his birthplace or questionable heritage. But most who encountered Him were in awe of His teaching, His attitude, and His supernatural power. They got glimpses of the holy, the God empowering this messianic figure. As a result, their lives were changed.

We need glimpses of the holy—to walk with a sense of reverence for the One who is near. The more we immerse ourselves in our relationship with Him, the more we recognize each moment as sacred. When we do, all of life becomes a powerful experience and a divine offering. Nothing is mundane anymore.

Cultivate awe. Learn to recognize the power of the risen Jesus in your circumstances and in the other believers around you. Go through this day with an awareness that every moment can be a sacred intersection between your earthly life and the eternal realm. In God’s Presence in your life, heaven touches earth, and earth becomes much more meaningful.

Jesus, at times I’m in awe of You. But I want it to be more than just “at times.” Help me be aware of Your sacred Presence at every moment in every situation. Help me live in wonder and amazement.

From the book