I don’t usually gravitate to the paraphrased versions of the
Bible. I feel that the original meaning
may be distorted in the translation and I may be getting man’s ideas and not
God’s word. However, in church a short
time ago the worship leader read a verse from “The Message." It was John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and
blood, and moved into the neighborhood.”
As I heard it, I thought WOW! I love the imagery. The God of the universe became human with all
its limitations. As I was thinking about this, I was imagining God living next
door to me; working where I work; shopping where I shop. Going to church where I go to church. Then God reminded me that he still lives in
our neighborhood if he lives in us. That
is an amazing idea. We are God’s voice,
his hands, and his feet to those around us.
I wonder if others see God in us, or do they see just another person who
lives and acts and does the same things that they do? Do others know that God has come to their
neighborhood? I pray that as others see
us, they see God and they are encouraged to know God because of us. Has God come to your neighborhood? Don’t be afraid to live God in your
workplace, where you eat, in your home, and everywhere. Someone else may be waiting for the news that
God has come and that he loves him or her.
Father,
As we go through our day help us to remember
that we are your hands, your feet.
Help us to love like you love,
to see the world as you see it.
May you be our example and may we model your life in ours.
