How personal is Jesus to you? Would you know if He’s calling your name or giving you a task to do? I do not mean a general thing that all all Christians are to do, but a specific thing that Jesus is telling you only.

In the midst of all this community oriented talk, I do not want to neglect the personal side of it as well. I’m reminded of how Jesus, when He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, the way she recognized Him is simply His calling her name, “Mary.” (John 20:16)

And my favorite scene in the whole Bible – Jesus also appeared before Peter and asked him three times, “Do you love me?” This, to restore him back to his position of being His friend and disciple as well as a calling on his life. This was intensely personal.

Also, to Thomas who doubted. But Jesus appeared to him personally to grant his request of seeing his nail pierced hands and side….

The Christian life is lived out in community. No doubt about that. But the source of the strength for that life is deeply personal. Nothing will change us like experiencing this Jesus personally. And as such, nothing is more important than experiencing this Jesus personally. It is what we were created for.

PH

P.S. Then, how do you experience Him? 1) Desire it. 2) Ask for it. 3) Make an effort – Encounter the incarnate Word of God in His written word. (Listen to it, read it, meditate on it, memorize it)