How Do We Recognize Jesus’ Presence?

Do you want Jesus to be intimately present and to speak personally into your life?

I think we all do!

Recognizing Jesus’ presence in your life and hearing Jesus’ voice are two life-changing realities!  Anyone who desires these may have them!  Watch how one man experienced this:

“As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus, was sitting by the roadside begging.  When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet but he shouted all the more….‘have mercy on me!’ Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him’.  So they called to the blind man, ‘Cheer up! He’s calling you.’ Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked him.”  Mark 10:46-51

What can we learn from Bartimaeus’ encounter with Jesus?   

Open your eyes and begin to search for Jesus!  It is clear Bartimaeus already knew who Jesus was as He passed by him. Bartimaeus longed to be able to see. He had heard what people were saying about Jesus.  Why not me too?  Bartimaeus believed Jesus and acted on it.  

Jesus is alive and active in our world today. Are you asking questions and considering Him?  Start an honest search. Observe those who actually follows Jesus. Listen when you bring up the name of Jesus with people who know Him. Wrestle with and ponder what you hear.  Ask questions like Bartimaeus likely did.

Open your mouth and call out to Him!  Bartimaeus wasn’t going to be silenced by anyone! He wasn’t intimidated by the crowd or Jesus’ disciples.  His resolve to get to Jesus was far stronger than his fear of the people trying to silence him.  

It is important to observe how Jesus responded. First, Jesus said sharply, “Call him to me”.  And a path was made by the crowd who had previously seen no worth in a blind man.  But Jesus did!  Second, Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?”  He gave Bartimaeus the freedom to say what he desired.  “I want to see.”

Open your heart and allow Jesus to respond to you!  Jesus said what few people could have anticipated that day, “Go, your faith has healed you.”  Jesus emphasized how Bartimaeus’ faith in seeking Him out was part of what led Jesus to heal him. 

Jesus’ initial offering to you and me began with Him dying on the cross for each of us. This declared His all-consuming desire to give us eternal life.   In His resurrection from the dead, He declares His availability to us.  He is alive, offering His presence to us moment to moment.

These three steps of searching for Jesus, calling out to Him and allowing Him to respond to us allow for a cycle of ongoing connection. Whether we are investigating Him for the first time or have been in His company for many years, these three steps can keep us in His presence. 

If you are interested in speaking with someone about coming to know Jesus, connecting more personally or wanting to re-connect with Him, please call the Center.  We would enjoy meeting with you.

If you are interested in knowing more about the Formation and Direction Institute please contact me, Pat Meye or click here to read more.