Present


"The distance around the entire city will be 6 miles. And from that day the name of the city will be, Jehovah-Shammah - 'The Lord Is There.'" Ezekiel 48:35

"Hey dad. Dad. Hey dad! Dad! Hello-o-o-o Dad!" These are the words of my sweet daughter trying valiantly to capture my attention. Sometimes numerous attempts are needed even if we're separated by only a few feet. Lost in a news article, a game, or my mind's often visited nothing square, it doesn't even register that she's wanting my attention. Sharing space and being present are not the same thing.

In the very last words of his message to Israel through Ezekiel, God tells his people that the city in Ezekiel's prophecy will have the most significant distinguishing feature in the universe - The Lord Is There. It's not just a name, it's a statement of connection with his people. No longer will they worship from a distance. He will be up close, personal and fully engaged in ways they couldn't even begin to imagine. 

The Bible tells us that through the person of the Holy Spirit, God is with us now. More accurately, within us if we are Jesus followers. His presence makes all things possible. A person can accurately reflect Jesus. A family can function in a healthy way. A church can be the body of Christ to a world who so desperately needs him. To experience it all we must choose moment by moment to be present with him and not just share space.

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