Lightning is Easier than Sacrifice

Scripture

 “For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so it will be on the day when the Son of Man comes.  But first the Son of Man must suffer terribly and be rejected by this generation.”  (Luke 1:24,25 NLT)

 Lightning is Easier than Sacrifice

Do you ever wish that God would just light up the sky with a lightning flash, settling our doubts and saying, “I’m here, pay attention”? The quiet ways that our humble God chooses to be revealed can puzzle and perplex us.

 Jesus knew that lightning revelation was in his future but that suffering, rejection and death was his path for our reconciliation with the Father. We are coming into the season of lights in our homes, candles on our tables and the experience of God’s presence in one another.

 Jesus’ humble birth, vulnerable life and humiliating death makes him a light to us even, and maybe especially, for those who don’t have access to abundance of food, family and friendships.

 Our slow God invites us to be present to one another, be present in sorrow and joy and flesh out his quiet presence in the holiday seasons. It’s not lightning – but it is His way.

 A Prayer for Today

And grateful as we are for the world we know
and the universe beyond our understanding,
we particularly praise you, whom eternity cannot contain,
for coming to earth and entering time in Jesus.
For his life which informs our living,
for his compassion which changes our hearts,
for his clear speaking
which contradicts our harmless generalities,
for his enduring presence,
his innocent suffering,
his fearless dying,
his rising to life breathing forgiveness,
we praise you and worship him.