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God Comes When We Least Expect Him
WESTERVILLE, OH (December 18, 2004) - Editor's note: In preparation for the
Christmas observance, Covenant Communications is sharing seven
devotionals that originally appeared in local church newsletters and are
being published here by permission. The following comes from pastor Tim
Heintzelman of Faith Covenant Church.
By Tim Heintzelman
At some point during this Advent season, we will most likely sing "Come
Thou Long Expected Jesus." However, for many of us, it will not be the
expectedness of Jesus' coming this year that may grab our hearts and minds.
I get the sense that amidst all of our careful preparations and
thoughtful planning, we do not suspect that God may have a few surprises
in store for us. Doubtless, we have probably already circled a few dates
on our busy calendars and have already intentioned to attend a couple of
parties without realizing that God, like "Candid Camera," will be
showing up when we least expect it.
How do I know this?
A quick look at the scriptures reveals that God delights in coming to
ordinary people amidst their day-to-day activities. Moses was tending
sheep when he saw a burning bush. Gideon was threshing wheat when God
commissioned him to free his enslaved people. Saul was looking for some
donkeys that had strayed away from home when Samuel was told that this
young Benjamite was to be Israel's first king.
Elisha was plowing with 12 yoke of oxen when he received his calling to
be a prophet. Amos was picking the fruit of sycamore trees when God gave
him a new assignment. Mary was going about her daily life when Gabriel
told her about God's plan of salvation. The shepherds were simply
looking after their flocks when the wonderful news of Jesus' birth lit
up the night sky.
God hasn't changed. He still comes to His people bring news of hope, joy
and deliverance.
Therefore, God is coming to us . . . this year . . . in the very midst
of our responsibilities, work, plans and preparations. Now this is not
to say that we won't be naturally drawn to celebrating our Lord's first
coming as a baby born in Bethlehem. Nor is it to suggest that
at least some of our thoughts this year will not turn towards
anticipating His glorious Second Coming (truly, that event can't come
soon enough for most of us!).
Friends, I take great joy in knowing that during this season of Advent,
God will be coming to us anew. And even if we are wise enough to expect
His unexpectedness . . . my sense is that He is still able to surround
us with His boundless capacity for wonder, peace and love.
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