Seeing but not noticing

 

As I was reading Genesis 42 this week, the following words left an impression on me:

"Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him." - Genesis 42:8

And I wondered, WHY? 

Why did they not recognize him? Had he changed so much in 13 years? Or were they just not expecting to see him at all, so there was no expectation that he would be standing in front of them?

This led me to some verses in the New Testament, where people didn't recognize Jesus either. Some of them did eventually have their 'aha' moments, but others still couldn't see him.

Luke 24:31 - Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

John 1:10 - He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.

Thought: How do we recognize Christ in our everyday lives? Do we truly have eyes to see him? What gifts of God are right in front of us, but we refuse to notice them?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

What must we do?

The last two years has seen a greater number of people really questioning their sense of purpose in life. It is interesting how a global "shake-up" can cause so many people to rethink their present circumstances and to ask the BIG questions: Why am I here? What is my purpose on earth?

In our reading from Esther 4 we note how she was challenged about acknowledging her purpose and thankfully she was able to do this. The scriptures speak a lot about this topic too:

·       Exodus 9:16 - But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.

Psalm 33:11 - But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Proverbs 19:21 - Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

As you wrestle with this question what do you sense the Lord is saying to you?

Living in Grace

D3LM3