Recognizing God

In seminary no one ever spoke about God’s one annoying quality: invisibility. Although many would assert that you can “see God” in different aspects of our world, the honest truth is that God is invisible, in every normal sense of that term. Understanding this truth, our passages this week explore how we can recognize the Divine Presence. Abram seeks to recognize God in his life; the psalmist seeks God’s instruction; Paul encourages his readers to live lives that show Christ to others; and Jesus proclaims that nothing earthly will stop God from moving. To see God is one of our great desires. As we read and meditate on these passages, may we know God’s presence.

• Read Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18. When confronted with the seemingly impossible, what is your normal response? What helps you to be open to God’s infinite providence?
• Read Psalm 27. How does fear affect you? How does your spiritual life help prevent fear from ruling your life?
• Read Philippians 3:17–4:1. Perhaps this passage is challenging for you with its hints of religious conflict and the contrast of heavenly and earthly things. How do we engage parts of the Bible that are hard or foreign to us? How do we relate to Jesus directly through our life of prayer?
• Read Luke 13:31-35. How is God present in your work in the world for justice? What is your prophetic witness?