After this [turning water to wine at the wedding in Cana, Jesus’ first miraculous sign] he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days.” John 2:12, NIV*
What an innocuous verse to catch the imagination! But think about it: what would it be like, spending a few days hanging out with Jesus?
He’s not crossing words with His adversaries, He’s not offering signs to people who need convincing, He’s not teaching the multitudes.
He’s probably teaching His disciples, but I expect it’s in relaxed conversation. There are probably laughter and jokes. Casual conversation and quiet times.
Whether He’s talking one on one, sitting in companionable silence, speaking in a group, I imagine each one present feels they’re valued by Jesus.
When He makes eye contact, that’s clear. When He listens it’s clear, even if what He says next challenges them to see the familiar in a new way.
I need to think about this as I go through today. What would it be like to hang out with Jesus between the public events?
That’s most of my life: ‘between public events’.
And He’s here. His Spirit lives in me. What might I discover if I tuned in and remembered He’s with me? Some teaching, as He challenges and redefines my perspectives and perceptions. Hopefully a greater sense of His presence, and of the value He places on me and on each one I meet.
Father, there are no words to thank You for drawing me to Yourself, for saving me and adopting me into relationship with You. For valuing me and seeking me out. I praise Your goodness, mercy and love that have placed Your Spirit in me as a deposit, keeping Your promise to never leave me. Open me to His leading, so I can be shaped into who You’ve designed me to be.
∞
This week’s song is the old hymn, “I Need Thee Every Hour”, (Text: Annie S. Hawks, 1835-1918; Music: Robert Lowry, 1826-1899. I really like the way Jars of Clay sing it here.
*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Right on today Janet!
Although I’m not so eager to ‘hang out ‘ with Jesus on my worst days, that is when I’ve really made a mess of things
. It’s hard to come to Him in confession, yet that is when we need to ‘hang out’ with Him most….
Does anyone else suffer from this attitude but me? I put off and put off what I need to do and finally when I break down and offer myself to forgiveness…I find Jesus waiting and willing to ‘hang out’ again.
Oh, Brenda, I think we’re all the same about stalling when we most need to ‘come clean’ and be cleaned. I guess it’s the same with other relationships too, although in that case the other party may not be so eager to get close again.
I want to learn to recognize when I’ve messed up and to hurry back to Him before my conscience convinces me to drag my feet.