How can we recognize God's presence in our community today? The Scene in Nain Luke 7 records Jesus stopping a funeral procession, touching the bier, and calling a dead young man back to life. Then verse 16 rings out: “ A sense of awe swept over all of them, and they glorified God. ‘A great prophet has emerged among us!’ they said. ‘God has visited His people!’ ” (Luke 7:16). The crowd recognized more than a miracle; they recognized the Presence. What They Saw—and What We Can Still See • Awe that hushed every other emotion • Glory given to God, not to the human agents • A clear word that God Himself was near • Tangible compassion for hurting people • Supernatural power no one could manufacture Scriptural Echoes of Divine Visitation • Exodus 3:7–8 — God “comes down” to deliver. • Psalm 46:1 — “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” • John 1:14 — “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us.” • Acts 2:43 — “A sense of awe came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.” • Revelation 21:3 — “Behold, the dwelling of God is with men.” Recognizing God’s Presence in Our Community Today • Genuine Awe – Hearts quieted and consciences awakened (Habakkuk 2:20). – Entertainment fades; worship rises. • Christ-Exalting Testimony – Conversation shifts to “See what the Lord has done” (Psalm 118:23). – People openly confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9). • Compassion in Action – Widows, orphans, the poor experience tangible care (James 1:27). – Mercy ministries multiply, fueled by love, not publicity. • Holy Boldness and Prophetic Clarity – Truth proclaimed without dilution (Acts 4:31). – Sin named, grace offered, Christ magnified. • Signs of New Life – Addictions broken, marriages restored, prodigals returning (2 Corinthians 5:17). – Spiritual gifts operating decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). • Unity Around the Gospel – Believers “of one heart and soul” (Acts 4:32). – Ethnic, social, and generational barriers fall in Christ (Ephesians 2:14–16). Practical Markers of Divine Visitation 1. Unplanned gatherings where people linger to pray and rejoice. 2. Scripture read and explained with fresh power, producing conviction. 3. Ongoing testimonies of healing—physical, emotional, relational. 4. Surge in baptisms and discipleship gatherings. 5. Joyful generosity meeting local needs before appeals are made. Cultivating Awareness • Stay devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers (Acts 2:42). • Walk in daily repentance; sin dulls spiritual senses (1 John 1:9). • Keep watch for the small beginnings—mustard-seed moments (Matthew 13:31–32). • Intercede for neighbors by name; prayer tills the soil for visitation (1 Timothy 2:1–4). • Celebrate every work of grace, great or small (Psalm 103:2). Living as Witnesses Just as the crowd in Nain could not keep silent, today’s church becomes a living announcement: “God has visited His people!” When awe, compassion, truth, unity, and new life break out among us, we are seeing more than activity—we are seeing the Lord Himself walking our streets. |
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