Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Being with God

Thursday, January 4, 2007

John 1:35-42
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"

When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus asked, "What do you want?"

They spent that day with him. One of them, Andrew, found his brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah." And he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Peter."

As John later says, "Jesus must increase, and I must decrease." His disciples followed Jesus, but John continued his own ministry. What should he do, now that the Messiah had been announced? Why doesn't John follow Jesus too?

A few days later John sent people to Jesus to ask, "Are you really who I thought you were?" Does John doubt his own experience? His mind seems to be getting in the way of God's words. And consequently he is confused and uncertain.

Now that's something I can relate to. One day John is rock-solid-connected with God and consequently sure of himself. His words have the sound of authority. Then overnight all that changes. That happens to me all the time.

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13, "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror." This earth, this place we live every day of our lives is a fogged-in place. Glimpses of God are rare. Like Mary, I want to treasure the moments of clarity and ponder them in my heart.

And when God shows me a little of himself, I want to respond more with awe and wonder, and much less with critical thinking. I don't want to think much at all. God says to Isaiah, "My thoughts are not your thoughts." And mine are certainly not his. I just want to bask in being with him.

I don't know much, Lord. You know everything. Teach me to be quiet and just listen. What words I have, let them be words of praise.

Devotions Archive

Being with God

Thursday, January 4, 2007