Meet in Person

During our teenage years, my sister was our very own celebrity expert. She had an impressive knowledge bank of the latest stars and sports figures. Whether she was watching TV or flipping through gossip magazines, she always stayed current with what was happening in Hollywood.

She was also the first to spot someone famous. On one family vacation in Miami, we decided to stroll along one of the popular dining strips. To our surprise, we discovered that a celebrity was nearby, doing a product endorsement. Even though we didn't know who she was at the time, my sister did, and she eagerly stood in a long line to meet her and get an autograph. Now, that celebrity is known as one of the most sought-after stars in Hollywood. My sister's passion for and dedication to following these stars ultimately led her to recognize and meet them in person.

 

I firmly believe we can share the same passion and deep interest in following our Lord. If we diligently seek His presence and dedicate time to getting to know Him better, we will undoubtedly encounter Him.

 

There was a season in my life when I committed to regularly spending time alone with the Lord. I prioritized daily devotion by studying His Word and praying. The Word began to cleanse and transform my heart as I did this. The more familiar I became with His character and ways, the more I noticed His intricate involvement in every area of my life. I started to recognize Him everywhere.

A disciple in the New Testament ultimately had the same experience. His name was Nathaniel. He devotedly spent his quiet time with the Lord under a fig tree (John 1:48). Jesus called him “...a man of complete integrity” or “...without deceit” (vs. 47). Spending time with the Lord will cleanse and transform your heart. Nathaniel carried the image of the one he so diligently sought after, which ultimately led him to Christ himself. “Then Nathanael exclaimed, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God—the King of Israel!’” (vs. 49).