Yesterday's sermon was concerned with preparing ourselves for God's visit. Pastor Gary outlined the different elements necessary for preparation.
What came to mind continuously for me was the actual ministry and parables of Jesus. Time and again Jesus was questioned about his ministry. And time and again he warned of having eyes to see and ears to hear. Mark 4 has cryptic and hidden aspect of Jesus' ministry. He teaches in parables--not because they are such excellent illustrations (the disciples are always asking what they mean!)--but because his ministry operates in secret and needs to be hidden in many ways. He cannot go about doing the re-calling of Israel by shouting it, but by whispering it to the people who want to hear.
Just as God visited in Jesus in a "quiet" way (for a good portion of his ministry, though not all of it), in the same way, I think, God visits us today. He visits "quietly"--working in hidden, cryptic and underground ways, wanting us to become people who know where to "look for" God. Ironic, isn't it, that God speaks quietly, in still, small voices when he could speak in thunder; that God visits without fanfare much of the time? Of course, what else should we expect from a King whose coronation is a Crucifixion? (See John 12:20-36)
This was my reaction. Any other thoughts?
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