There are so many passages in the New Testament that point out that Jesus was in a crowd, yet he spoke to so many one on one. In our time of isolation- we too can look for ways to be alone with someone else.
Here are some examples:
Mt. 15 The Canaanite woman- she said to him, "Even the dogs eat the crumbs from the table."
Mt. 17- A man prays for healing for his son's seizures "Lord have mercy on my son"
"What do you think Simon [about the Temple tax]
The rich young man; the Pharisee who complained about the woman washing Jesus' feet; To Mary and Martha; to the woman who hemorrhaged [". Who touched me?"]' To Judas- "What you are about to do, do it quickly." Even one on one with the chief priest, Herod, and Pilate at His trial. These are only a few. Jesus managed to be alone and focused in a crowd to someone one on one. It is a gift to listen and focus on others as Jesus was able to do. He was always open to chance encounters. Of course Jesus spent a lot of one on one time with Peter and the 12.
Last week Kay and I were walking our dog and a deputy who lives in our neighborhood waived at us, and we waived back. Then he circled the block and we introduced ourselves. He asked if I was a preacher. Then he asked me to pray for him. That will be one of my treasured memories from this corona-virus time. We prayed in the middle of the street (6 feet apart) for his protection and that God would surround him with his angels.
One day I was in Publix. I had misplaced my mask so I had to go in maskless. I never felt quite so exposed- everyone had a mask but me and the young workers. I saw a church member in the toilet paper aisle. I had found one pack misplaced on a top shelf. He said he was looking for some TP. I pointed him to the last remaining misplaced pack. That is a good memory!
But perhaps the best memories is spending extra time with the One God gave me 40 years ago- my wife.
I have really missed seeing people one on one. I have missed visiting visitors, and looking people in the eye, and being able to hold hands and pray together. But I believe, if we are looking, we will be able to see opportunities that God puts in our path to make a difference for Him.
Prayer: Lord, help me to find a way to be one on one with others even in this time of separation.
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