The God Next Door

I am on a road trip to Detroit Michigan with two of our interns this summer Matt Boyle and Jon Sherman.  My devotional this morning from the message paraphrase was John 1:14,

“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.”  How cool is that?  Jesus moved into our neighborhood!  For you urban dwellers, that would be the “hood.”

Here are some observations about Jesus being our neighbor:

1. You can always count on him to help you.  He might surprise you by mowing your grass or scooping the snow in your driveway.  He would help keep you safe on your bus ride.  You would not be afraid to go through the rough neighborhood with him.  He would be the first person to jump into your pile of leaves in the fall.

2. You know he would always watch the house for you when you are gone

3. You know he would be the coolest neighbor ever

You could always borrow his tools and his block parties would be the best ever.

4. The Religious people in your neighborhood would not like him.

But the gang-bangers and those in your neighborhood having a hard time would always want to hang out with him.

5. If you had no desire to serve God, and was living in secret sin, you would be very uncomfortable when he moved in.

Perhaps you are not living in your first choice neighborhood/city/country, but as an image bearer and a presence carrier you can embrace your call to be a person of influence in your neighborhood today.

Selah,

Papa G