Have you ever had an encounter with someone that changed your entire life? One moment and you knew things would never be the same? Perhaps the moment you met your future spouse, or the first moment you cradled your newborn child? For those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, that moment of surrender transformed us both now and for all eternity.
Throughout scripture we see several life-altering encounters between God and man. When God sent His son Jesus Christ into the world, it marked the most paramount of encounters that ever was, is, or will be until Christ returns again. Colossians 1:15 reveals to us that "Christ is the visible image of the invisible God." God literally and physically came to earth that we might encounter His love, His holiness, His miraculous power, and His eternal glory. When viewed from the air we can catch a glimpse of the majesty and mastery of God's plans to redeem the world; however, the Biblical gospels give us a "boots on the ground" glance at the beautiful intimacy God desires to enjoy with each one of us. Jesus Christ portrays this as He ministers to the "least of these" personally and compassionately.
There is much to learn about how we encounter God through the testimonies of Christ's encounters with men and women during His time on earth. Sometimes Jesus encountered people un-expectantly and of His own accord (Woman at the Well (John 4), Men on Emmaus Road (Luke 13) ). Other times an encounter resulted from a man or woman's own pursuit, making themselves available to both His healing power and sanctifying rebukes (Bleeding Woman (Mark 5), Zaccheus (Luke 19). Jesus encountered those on the brink of death, offering salvation and giving us a prophetic vision of His role as mediator between God and man (1 Tim 2:5) (Adulterous Woman (John 8), Criminal on Cross (Luke 23).
In what ways have you encountered Christ? Have you ever felt hopeless and dejected only to have Jesus Christ come and offer the hand of revelation and comfort you needed to move forward? Have you ever experienced a seeming "wrestling" with the Lord when you are seeking His wisdom, His guidance, or His blessing? Have you ever stood on the brink of death, without any hope outside of miraculous intervention, and God stepped in with his healing power? Or maybe you have lay huddled beneath the weight of your sin and shame, only to have Jesus come and extend His hand of grace and mercy.
I often hear comments such as, "I just wish God would speak to me clearly!" or "I just don't feel God in the my life right now." I've walked with dry and thirsty souls that are seeking to satisfy with everything but the living water Christ so freely offers. We all experience times such as these throughout the journey of life, but I want to challenge you today to ask yourself the question, "How have I encountered Christ?" When was the last time that, as the men on the Emmaus Road, your eyes were opened to the fact that Christ is walking right beside you? For some it could have been this morning as you began your day in His word! For others it may have been during a poignant sermon that pierced your soul. Or perhaps you have never experienced an encounter with the living God and your eyes remain blinded to the salvation found in Christ Jesus.
On New Day Cafe this week our guest Pastors and ministers shared about either Christ encounters found in Scripture or those they have personally experienced. However, in each conversation stood one common theme; we must daily seek an encounter with Christ. Every morning we should awake expecting the Lord to talk to us, walk with us, open and close doors for us, bring revelation of His word to us, and heal and forgive us. When Christ came to walk among the earth it gave a preview of the relationship with God we each can now experience day-by-day. His death and resurrection ripped the veil separating God and man, opening wide the gates of fellowship (Heb 4:14-16). Moreover, the presence of the Holy Spirit within us allows us to encounter Christ daily in our attitudes, thoughts, and emotions, giving us all wisdom needed for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). In Christ we experience a perpetual encounter with our Heavenly Father.
In closing, are you encountering Christ daily? Are you pursuing His word and listening for the Holy Spirit with an attitude of expectancy? If not, let's "take the next step" together and seek a fresh encounter with the living God.
Interview Recaps
- Rev. Keith Pugh, Open Door Baptist - Encounter on the Emmaus Road - http://www.opendoormin.com/
- Pastor Scott Vaughn, Polkville Baptist - Jesus' Encounter with Satan - http://www.fbcpolkville.org/
- Don Hawkins, SEBC - Testimony of Encounters with Christ in India - http://www.sebc.edu/bio-don-hawkins/
- Difference Maker Award Winner, Sarrell Dental - http://www.sarrelldental.org/
- Rev. Greg Rogers, Tuscaloosa Life Church - Zacchaeus Meets Jesus - www.tuscaloosalife.org
- Allen Atkins of Amen Ministry - Encounters that Change Your Plans - http://theamenministry.com/bio/
- Seat at the City Gate "Tornado Outbreak - 2 Year Anniversary"
- Encounter with the Adulterous Woman
- Pastor Louis Johnson, Rosedale Baptist - Martha's Encounter with Jesus
Key Scriptures
Luke 24:30-32 - When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
Matthew 4:10-11 - Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Ephesians 1:18-19 - I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength.
Luke 19:5-6 - When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
John 20:29 - Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 11:21-22 - “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
Blessings!
Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South
www.moodyradiosouth.fm
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