WHEN JESUS SHOWS UP

When Jesus showed up on the earth, He came full of grace and truth, to show us the Father.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:14

Writing for Five Minute Friday.  Today's prompt word is SHOW. 

When we read through the gospel accounts, we see Jesus show up in the lives of many people.  We read how He touched and healed and taught and changed lives - powerfully and permanently.

When Jesus shows up at the pool of Bethesda, a man's inability to help himself is overtaken by Jesus' willingness and ability to see him well.  (Mark 8:22-38)

https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/

When Jesus shows up walking across stormy waters, Peter realises He not only is more powerful than the storm, but that He is strong enough to hold him in it when he's drowning.   (Matt 14:28-33)

When Jesus shows up walking through the streets, a desperate woman is finally healed and validated after twelve years of pain and trauma.   (Luke 8:43-48)

When Jesus shows up at Zaccheaus' house, a man sees that his real need is not money, and salvation comes to his house.  (Luke 19:1-10)

When Jesus shows up in the synagogue, a woman is healed and the religious are upset.   (Luke 13:10-17)

https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/

When Jesus shows up at a funeral, a woman has her son restored to her.   (Luke 7:11-17)

When Jesus shows up at Lazarus' tomb, He is moved and Martha gets a powerful glimpse of His love.  (John 11:38-44)

When Jesus shows up at Simon's house, a broken woman is forgiven and restored and Simon gets a glimpse of the mercy he needs himself.   (Luke 7:36-50)

When Jesus shows up at Jairus' house, his daughter is made whole and people start to realise who He is.   (Mark 5:21-43)

When Jesus shows up at Martha's house, Mary is blessed and Martha is encouraged to find what's truly the best place to be - at His feet.   (Luke 10:38-42)

When Jesus shows up to teach, an adulterous woman is given a chance to start again.  (John 8:1-11)

https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/

When Jesus shows up on the beach, Peter is forgiven and restored.  (John 21:1-17)

This same Jesus shows up for me again and again.   Not in physical form.  I've never seen Him in physical form, though I know some have.   But the Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, shows up for me again and again.   He is constantly present, yes, because He is omnipresent, but He shows up, He manifests, in tangible ways for me in my days.  He shows up to heal, teach, convict, counsel, comfort, remind, restore - in my house, in my car, by a river, on a walk, in church, in worship, in the words of a pastor or mentor or friend.   

His presence is just as real as Jesus' presence was back then.  His power is real.  His love is real.   His grace is real.   He keeps showing up.   And I am transformed, just a little bit more restored and healed each time.   

And I am grateful.  

This is what Jesus read when He showed up in the synagogue, and this is what He showed up to do, back then, and now.  

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,

Because the Lord has anointed Me

To preach good tidings to the poor;

He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted,

To proclaim liberty to the captives,

And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,

And the day of vengeance of our God;

To comfort all who mourn,

To console those who mourn in Zion,

To give them beauty for ashes,

The oil of joy for mourning,

The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;

That they may be called trees of righteousness,

The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”  Isa 61:1-3  

I fell on You when I was at my weakest

And found the God, the lifter of my head

And I've worshipped You and felt You right beside me

You're the reason that I sing

'Cause You're the God of all my days

Each step I take, You make a way

I will give You all my praise

My seasons change, You stay the same

You're the God of all my days

In my worry
God, You are my stillness
In my searching
God, You are my answers
In my blindness
God, You are my vision
In my bondage
God, You are my freedom
And in my weakness
God, You are my power
You're the reason that I sing