In Our Midst

One recent Sunday after church as we were sitting outside chatting with some of the community, I had an experience of Jesus I won't soon forget.

A man passed by, silver hair and long beard, eyes surveying the scene of a church family engaged with each other in conversation. My eyes caught him from afar, and in him I saw Jesus. I also saw the longing of a man to belong, to be embraced by community. 

He lingered briefly before continuing his walk down the street; I couldn't move, not even to go after him as my heart longed to do, because there was something going on deeper than what meets the eye.

I heard to Spirit speak: I am passing by, lingering on the periphery, longing to be welcomed in; only My Body is not always able to see or receive Me as I sometimes appear. They are not yet comfortable with seeing Me weak and in need and so at times miss Me.

My heart melted and knees felt like shaking as a result of this encounter, knowing my need and the need of the Church to continually have our eyes cleansed so we can see Him. Jesus came at first in a very unexpected way in the middle of nowhere Middle East, and He still surprises us at the places He appears.