GLIMPSES OF GOD

“Darkness comes upon them in the daytime; at noon they grope as in the night.” (Job 5:14)

Thousands had gathered in anticipation of their arrival. Several hundred reporters, photographers and cameramen from radio, television and the press were also standing by. The feverish attention they created was like none ever before. It became labeled as an invasion; others referred to it as ‘mania.’ Whatever you called it – riotous-like behavior broke out, the crowd noise became deafening, and police had to close off streets due to the hysteria. It was all caused by the American arrival of four English lads in their early-20’s, dressed in mod suits and sporting mop-topped haircuts. It was February 7, 1964, and the “Fab-Four” had just arrived at New York’s Kennedy Airport via a several thousand-mile flight which had departed only hours before from London’s Heathrow Airport. They were of course John, Paul, George and Ringo – better known as “The Beatles.” To just get a glimpse of them caused many a teenage girl to faint. Listening to their music set the course of rock and roll history for many years to come.

Forward fifty plus years. Two of the Beatles have died, but Paul and Ringo are still performing solo acts continuing to draw fairly large crowds. It’s August 21, 2017, and people have again traveled thousands of miles to witness an incident which has not occurred since February 26, 1979. Then news anchors Frank Reynolds and Walter Cronkite reported on the day’s events, looking forward to what would not transpire for another 38 years and hoping for “a more peaceful world.”  Though not at peace, what the world did find were people looking skyward in the middle of the day to catch a glimpse of a happening which would last for less than three minutes. Known as a total solar eclipse, it gave a somewhat eerie reference to what many will someday witness. Again looking toward the heavens, they will see Jesus. For “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him . . .” (Revelation 1:7).

I am reminded of a story I once heard about a group of salesmen who were attending a convention in one of our larger cities. Arriving late for their flight home, they hurriedly ran through the airport attempting to make the gate for their departure. In doing so, one of them accidentally caught the leg of a table which held a display of apples. Never looking back, they managed to reach their plane in time. Except for one. Observing apples scattered everywhere across the terminal floor, only one felt guilty for the mess they had made. Staying behind to offer assistance, he found a 16-year old blind girl groping to recover some of her fruit while, in frustration, tears ran down her face. The salesman knelt to the floor, attempting to reorganize the display. Then he discovered that many of the apples had become bruised, so he sat those aside. When he was done, he asked the young girl if she was going to be okay. He then pulled $40 out of his wallet and requested that she please accept the money as repayment for the damage she had incurred. While beginning to walk away, the blind girl called out to him, “Mister.” As he glanced in her direction – she looked up with eyes that could not see and said, “Are you Jesus?”

Has anyone called you Jesus lately?  Probably not. But the more pertinent question is, “When was the last time someone saw Jesus in you?” The Apostle Paul offered this challenge: “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2). Jesus put it this way:  “You are the light of the world–like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16). As you follow His heart and obey His teachings, you are lighting your candle in a world of darkness and allowing others to see Jesus in you. Famed singers and eclipses will come and go. However, glimpses of God’s glory are lasting and available to us daily. Have you taken a peek lately?

REFLECTION: One person said: “I read the Bible to catch a glimpse of God’s beauty, because that’s where God has revealed Himself. Then, as I get to know God, I try to imitate Him, and He begins to make me beautiful like Him.” What are some ways you might seek to show the world who Jesus is?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 2, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

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