Refreshing Presence 

God on Monday
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‘Turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord’ (Acts 3:19b-20a)

Reflection

God wants the very best for us. That is why God wants us to be in His presence all the time, including when we work. But how can this be possible, given that God cannot look on sin?

We have two labradors who know we treat them well and love them dearly. They, in return, adore us and give us the comfort and unconditional love that dogs seem so good at.

But sometimes their love for us is challenged, like when they are lured away by the irresistible temptation of a muddy puddle. Then they cannot be allowed the usual privileges of coming indoors and enjoying our cuddles.

Our love for them means, however, that we wash them and restore them. They do not like being showered with cold water, but they love being rubbed dry! Suitably refreshed, we can enjoy each other’s company again. Our relationship is made whole.

All this speaks to me of the refreshment God offers us. There are times when we humans prefer the muddy puddle over the fresh green field. In our work, we may, for instance, compromise our integrity for the sake of advantage, promotion, or financial gain.

But God sees the mess we have made of ourselves and longs to refresh and renew us. That is why God gave Jesus, who allowed his hands to be made dirty and bloody. He did so to make us clean and to enjoy the refreshing presence of God.

Response

How is your relationship with God? Is something stopping you from being in God’s refreshing presence? Take a few minutes to respond to the verse above by turning to Jesus and allowing him to wash you clean, so that he can present you to his heavenly Father.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for sending Jesus, not only to live on earth but to get down in the dirt to rescue us from the mess we make. Thank you that he has brought us into the refreshing presence of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

In the words of the psalmist, ‘Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow’ (Ps 51.7). May I receive your healing and wholeness as I live each day in your presence, wherever I am. Amen.

This Week's Author

God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the next Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up here to receive each God on Monday instalment.

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