A Norvell Note
September 29, 2024, Vol. 28 No. 38
Jesus in the Neighborhood
The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood. (John 1:14, The Message)
I have great comfort in those words.
Knowing that God loved us so much and wanted us to know Him so much that He sent His one and only son to live in the world where we live is very comforting. Jesus came to earth to show us who God is, but because He came to earth, He also knows what our life is like.
He knows what it’s like to lose a loved one. He knows and understands the pain, the confusion, and the anger that comes with death. I can’t explain why He doesn’t prevent it or why He answers some prayers for healing and others He does not. Or why He leaves us in the dark on those answers. But it comforts me to know He understands what I’m feeling.
He must understand what it’s like not to have money to pay bills or struggle to provide for our family because He spent much of his time with the poor and meeting their needs. Not only did HE meet the needs of people who struggle with finances, but He has instructed His people to do the same.
Because he moved into our neighborhood, he can identify with us when our families experience division and disharmony in our families. And when we cannot resolve the differences, He feels our pain and disappointment.
Jesus is in our neighborhood to remind us that He wants to be with us, is available when we need Him and wants to share life with us. I find great comfort in those words.
A Norvell Note © Copyright 2024 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved