Daily Devotion 11 May 2021

Create a peaceful space to pause, and allow yourself to feel God’s presence alongside you, as near to you as your own breath. In following the reflection below, as a church we will draw closer to God and to one another as we grow in faith and deepen our sense of belonging to God.

Revelation 3:20-22 ‘The Seeking God’

20 Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me. 21 To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne, just as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.’

One of the many things that those of us who have not been on the premises at Emmanuel for over a year now must miss, is the picture behind the communion table, inviting us to worship. Holman Hunt’s ‘The Light of the world’. Surely the inspiration for this painting must have been these words from the book of Revelation?

The piece depicts the Lord standing, knocking at the door. Around it weeds have grown, indicating that it’s been years since it has been opened. The impression is that the risen Christ has been waiting patiently for a long time, seeking entrance – entrance to the human heart. Never forcing an entry. There is no handle on the outside, so must be opened from within. What an amazing thought that it is! God seeks our company! This is a concept unique to Christianity. All other religions tell of humanity seeking, reaching out to the divine. Christianity proclaims a God who seeks us. Seeks to share our lives, to be close in everything we think or do or say, looking out for our best interests. Inspiring us to service. Once we invite Jesus into our lives, he will transform us, making us into the people God intends us to be.

During lockdown many of us have had more time for devotional studies. As we emerge to a more normal regime may we not forget that the more things claiming our attention, the more we need to ensure that our devotional life is kept fresh. May we allow Christ access to every part of our lives, so that we reflect his love and concern for those we meet day by day. Living to serve him as we care for one another. May we all continue to uphold each other in prayer as life returns to the busyness of this world. “In him is our peace” God bless and keep us all, this and every day.

Prayer:

Illuminating God,
you are the light in whom there is no darkness.
In Jesus we see your radiance.
We believe that no one will be turned away from this light.
We believe that this light shines for everyone in the world.
Light of liberation and love – shine in the darkness of debt and desperation.
Light of the world – lead us where you want us to go.
Lead us on the path to your kingdom.
Light of the world – even when we face the unexpected,
light our way with the promise that we are not alone. Amen.

Reflection © 2021 Hazel Blake.
© 2002-2021, ROOTS for Churches Ltd. All rights reserved.
Image freely available online.

A printable version of this Daily Devotional can be downloaded from here
All material within this order of worship is reproduced by permission under CCL 1226356