What steps can we take to recognize Jesus' presence in our daily lives? Seeing the Scene “As Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting beside the road, begging.” (Luke 18:35) A simple sentence—yet bursting with clues on how to recognize the Lord right where we live and work today. What the Passage Reveals • A needy person positioned himself where Jesus was passing. • Though blind, he was attentive; he sensed movement and asked who was coming (v. 36). • When told it was Jesus, he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (v. 38). • Others tried to silence him, but he shouted all the more (v. 39). • Jesus stopped, invited him closer, asked his desire, and healed him (vv. 40-43). • The man instantly followed, glorifying God; the crowd joined in praise. Why It Still Matters Jesus is just as present today: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) Recognizing Him isn’t about physical sight but spiritual attentiveness. Steps to Recognize Jesus’ Presence Daily 1. Stay Positioned • Begin each day expecting Him to pass by—through Scripture, circumstances, people. • Psalm 5:3: “In the morning, LORD, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly.” 2. Cultivate Holy Curiosity • Ask, “What is God doing here?” just as the blind man asked about the commotion. • Proverbs 3:6: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” 3. Call on His Name Boldly • Speak His name out loud when you sense need or gratitude. • Romans 10:13: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 4. Persist When Distracted • Silence, busyness, or people may discourage spiritual focus; keep crying out. • Hebrews 12:2: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” 5. Respond to His Question • Jesus still asks, “What do you want Me to do for you?” (Luke 18:41). • Answer specifically; bring concrete requests rather than vague wishes. 6. Receive by Faith • Believe His promises literally. The blind man said, “Lord, I want to see,” and immediately received sight. • Mark 11:24: “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” 7. Follow and Glorify • Recognition leads to movement—following Jesus into obedience and worship. • Colossians 3:17: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” 8. Celebrate Corporate Praise • The crowd praised God when they saw the miracle (Luke 18:43). Join with other believers; shared testimony sharpens awareness of His ongoing work. • Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages gathering together “all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Living It Out Position yourself in Scripture daily, cultivate alertness, call on Him quickly, and respond obediently. As you do, the risen Christ—who promises, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock” (Revelation 3:20)—will make His presence unmistakably real in the ordinary rhythms of life. |
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