Jesus in disguise Week 41, 2010

“In disguise?” Yes that is what my pastor said would happen to some of us in the week, though I didn’t see it that way at first. He said “God will visit you this week. Jesus shall come to you in the course of the week with His blessings. I hope you recognize Him when it happens. Receive it!” and we thundered, “ Amen!” As they talked and discussed, Jesus himself drew near and walked along with them; they saw him, but somehow did not recognize him Lk 24:15, 16(GNB). “So did God visit you?” Nna I was expecting someone to bring news of promotion, or an unexpected windfall to land on my lap. In fact I claimed the arrears; no show.
“Are you sure the pastor wasn’t deceiving you? Some of them say ambiguous things to make people donate money and then play safe on words when nothing happens. Is it not those who are not expecting Jesus who do not recognize Him?” My brother, I wanted to believe that when I saw nothing, but I read Rev 22:7(BBE) “ See, I come quickly. A blessing on him who keeps the words of this book of the prophet” that morning and was convinced it was no coincidence or deceit.
“What then made you decide He came disguised?” Well I took time out on Friday to seek God’s face. I really needed this visitation you know, and I somehow couldn’t shake off the conviction that the visitation was real; as I did I stumbled upon Mat 25:34, 35(ISV) “Come, you who have been blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you welcomed me” and it struck me Jesus had come my way.
“You mean the people who needed your help were actually Jesus in disguise? Surely you will recognize Him and not mistake Him for another when you seek Him with all your heart.” Ah, Mary Magdalene sought with all her heart to see Jesus on resurrection morning yet: she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. However, she didn't know that it was Jesus. Jesus asked her, "Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?" Mary thought it was the gardener speaking to her Jn 20:14, 15(GW). That’s how I realized He had been coming all week. “My God! I was cold to those who came to me this week. What do I do?” “Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did for me.' Mat 25:40(GW)